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GMOA ASKS GOVT. TO

TestBY SARAH HANNAN third contacts too z 47,000 among first three contacts z Testing delays will prolong lockdown The Government Medical Officers’ Association “The most important thing tested and beyond that, their According to the Sri Lanka the government-designated (GMOA) has proposed that Sri Lanka commence at this juncture is to find out first contacts are tested. But Army, they have been able quarantine centres. The aggressive testing for Covid-19 not only for the the exact number of people this should extend to the second to collect details of the first, total has come up to over first contacts that are traced through Covid-19 that are affected by Covid-19 and third contacts as well,” second, and third contacts of 47,000 persons, out of which in Sri Lanka. Currently, only GMOA Assistant Secretary Covid-19 patients and from 2,000-3,000 people are first positive patient evaluation, but also for the people that show symptoms Dr. Naveen De Soyza told The the people who underwent contacts. second and third contacts. are admitted to the hospital and Sunday Morning. quarantine procedures at Contd. on page 3

PCR TESTS AT PVT HOSPITALS SELLING ABOVE MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICE OPD tests to Deshapriya’s be permitted reply to PB CAA on the hunt BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA food items above the MRP. Private hospitals this week The Consumer Affairs Acting under the powers vested are hopeful that they The Election Commission Authority (CAA) is on high in it by Section 20(5) of the CAA would be permitted (EC) will meet on Wednesday alert for any vendors who sell Act, No. 09 of 2003, the authority to conduct PCR (15) to discuss the letter sent food items above the maximum orders that no importer, producer, tests as an outpatient by President’s Secretary Dr. retail prices (MRP) imposed by distributor, or trader shall sell, department (OPD) P.B. Jayasundera regarding the the Government. expose, offer for sale, or display service soon following parliamentary election in order Speaking to The Sunday for sale the varieties of rice listed fruitful discussions to formulate an appropriate reply. Morning, CAA Director Asela below, above the maximum retail with the Ministry of Contd. on page 3 Bandara said the authority prices given hereunder with effect Health (MoH) last week would take strict legal action from 10 April 2020. and the Government’s against those vendors who sell Contd. on page 3 desire to shift to aggressive Covid-19 testing. COVID-19 NAVAL GUARD Contd. on page 3 The Lotus Tower in Island Colombo was illuminated REOPENING FACTORIES quarantine FIND YOUR DAILY in red to honour those Workers for Indian ESSENTIALS THROUGH combating demand safety the Covid-19 virus gear, facilities fishermen? PHOTO PRADEEP BY AGRA RANASINGE DAMBARAGE With the Board of Investment (BOI) geared to The Sri Lanka Navy is topads.lk reopen a number of factories contemplating quarantining in the coming days, trade Indian fishermen who stray into unions have demanded that Sri Lankan waters on a remote VISIT all safety, hygiene, and island, The Sunday Morning other facilities be provided learnt. to workers who would be Contd. on page 3 www.topads.lk working during the Covid-19 outbreak. Contd. on page 3 PAYE tax back in new form Curfew increases The Government last week STEPS child cruelty re-introduced a different version of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) The National Child tax as an advance personal Search for the product Protection Authority income tax to be deducted by (NCPA) has observed that the employer with effect from you need on topads.lk the percentage of complaints 1 April. received on its 1929 hotline Contd. on page 3 in relation to child cruelty Contact the mobile has increased since the islandwide curfew was number mentioned imposed. Contd. on page 3 below the product Estate increases Get it delivered to your workers’ workload home through the seller z TUs protest against company z Company denies allegation

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA worker from 16 kg to 18 Union Deputy Secretary kg, leading to a protest Krishnan Kalaiselvi, who Amidst the ongoing by the workers. said that estate workers Covid-19 pandemic, a The plantation in at the estate had staged plantation company concern is Crackely a demonstration on has increased the daily estate of the Kotagala Thursday (9) against this minimum requirement Plantation, according to move. of tea leaves plucked per All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Contd. on page 3 #stayhome #staysafe #groceryitem #vegetables #fruit #deliveredtoyourdoorsteps the sunday morning 3 Sunday, April 12, 2020 NEWS

and underpaid has been ongoing for several years and Contd. from page 1 reports have emerged of companies increasing the "Faith in the time of Covid-19" daily minimum requirement of tea leaves per worker. All Ceylon Planters Association General Secretary Test third... districts are under strict police curfew to contain the J.M.A. Premaratne said that this was a common spread of the deadly virus. As such, it is the duty of practise followed by estate managers to increase “The health authorities should at least test the the Board of Investment and the companies that hire productivity. first contacts and find out whether they are Covid- these workers to ensure they are given the necessary “For years now, estate managers have been 19-infected or not. Once this is done, we could find protection,” he said. imposing a minimum target to pluck per day in out where the people are located, whether there are He said that staffers would face various difficulties order to increase production. But these are extreme asymptomatic patients, and as to how many others such as that of transport and curfew passes. circumstances due to the coronavirus outbreak and could potentially be infected,” Dr. De Soyza elaborated. “The companies should also provide transport the workers must be given some relief.” Once the actual numbers are determined through facilities as workers will not be able to travel in areas Premaratne said that estate managers and owners aggressive testing and then identifying the geographical under curfew,” he observed. should discuss with the estate workers as well as locations that are at a higher risk of having the biggest Samarasinghe said that while it was understandable unions when formulating a daily tea plucking target. density of Covid-19-positive cases, Dr. De Soyza that factories and industries must be reopened, the “Some years earlier, we were able to negotiate with indicated that it is also important to test people who Government was responsible for ensuring the job the owners of the Opanyake estate in Pelmadulla do not show symptoms as they could be asymptomatic security of the workers. to bring down the minimum daily tea target to just and although may not fall ill, they could be carriers “The Government should ensure job security. three kilos.” of the virus. No jobs should be cancelled. Those in places of Nevertheless, Planters’ Association of Ceylon He pointed out that there were also incidents where authority are duty-bound to ensure the safety of these Chairman Roshan Rajadurai said it was perfectly people who had completed their quarantine period workers, especially during a crisis such as the Covid- normal to ask a worker to pluck a minimum of 18 had later fallen ill with Covid-19 after they returned 19 pandemic,” he said. kg a day. home. Therefore, if there were 100 asymptomatic When reached for comment, a spokesman for the “The daily plucking target in most companies is Covid-19 patients in society and even if they were BOI said that the companies were working with the between 18-20 kg. In Kotagala, the average is the quarantined and integrated back into society, it could minimum number workers to manufacture essential same, so I don’t see a problem in asking the workers still lead to a larger issue. products to fight Covid-19. to pluck a minimum of 18 kg,” he said. A man prays at a temple in Borella on 9 April during a government-imposed islandwide lockdown PHOTO LALITH PERERA “In order to ensure that people that were in quarantine “BOI enterprises are working with skeleton staff He noted that estate managers were well are in fact healthy, they too should undergo a PCR test to produce critical products for fighting Covid-19 experienced and would only give directives which at the quarantine centre and should be subjected to a which are needed on an urgent basis or to meet critical they knew were practical. further test after they go home after a further 14-day export orders. This is done while adhering to Ministry “These estate managers have been in the field for OPD tests... “This can cause them to undergo depression period. That way, we can identify the patients carrying of Health (MoH) guidelines and PHIs (public health decades, so they know how much can be plucked in and fear, and our hospital staff is doing their the virus.” Dr. De Soyza reiterated. inspectors) have certified working conditions.” a day. They won’t make such demands otherwise,” Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Association very best to provide them with the necessary He added that once the asymptomatic cases are The spokesman added that all MoH guidelines he said. of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes psychosocial support. Meanwhile, out of the identified and necessary precautions are taken, then would be followed and that necessary safety and Meanwhile, Kotagala Plantations Director/CEO (APHNH) Chairman Dr. Lakith Peiris said people who are in quarantine centres, about the Government can look at initiating an exit strategy hygiene measures would be implemented. Rohan Edwards denied that any protests had taken that he was awaiting a new circular or new 10% are children. Even for these children, the from the lockdown. However, he warned that the “In every instance, PHI recommendations are sought place at the estate. guidelines from the Ministry of Health to begin necessary psychosocial support is provided by longer the testing is delayed, the longer the country prior to obtaining curfew passes for the factories to “There have been no protests. All the workers conducting these tests. the healthcare professionals and tri-forces,” would be under lockdown. be opened. The BOI also has communicated MoH were in the field this past week,” he said, adding “We are hopeful for a new circular that lets Prof. Vidanapathirana affirmed. “When the GMOA officials met with President guidelines to the enterprises and also spot checks are that some plantation companies had a minimum private hospitals conduct aggressive testing According to the Department of Probation Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 3 April, we voiced our concerns carried out by the PHI. Enterprises need to follow limit of 20 kg per day for a worker. so that we can join the government sector to and Child Care Services, there are about to him about the current initiatives that are in place the health guidelines with regard to the operation provide this service for people. Our request 11,132 children in children’s homes across Sri and on devising an exit plan to come out from this of factories and these are based on the instructions Deshapriya’s reply... to get the permission to conduct this test has Lanka. These children too are left in isolation lockdown over the coming weeks. It will not be of the health authorities, i.e. social distancing in the become a reality,” added Dr. Peiris. as visitors and donors are not allowed to visit conducive to continue this lockdown till the end of work area, issuing protective masks, hand washing/ Speaking to The Sunday Morning, EC Chairman In a circular dated 18 March 2020, the MoH these children’s homes. the year.” sanitisers, taking temperature every day, sanitising the Mahinda Deshapriya said the Commission was permitted certain private hospitals which are “In Sri Lanka, we have over 4.5 million According to Dr. De Soyza, a special committee has work area frequently, etc. In addition, enterprises also originally scheduled to meet on 20 April. equipped with molecular diagnostic testing children and we need to consider their mental been appointed apart from the Presidential Task Force have to maintain the guidelines with regard to social However, soon after the letter was received last facilities, to conduct Covid-19 PCR confirmatory and physical health. Due to the restrictions in to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to come up with a distancing when providing transport for workers.” week, the Commission decided to meet on 15 April tests, while adhering to stipulated conditions. movement from district to district, children strategic method to bring people out of lockdown. Sri State Minister of Investment Promotion and to discuss the concerns raised in the letter and send a The circular further stated that tests should be and parents might be separated at the moment. Lanka will have to of course look at the exit strategies Government Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella reply to the President. conducted only for patients admitted at the Some parents are stuck in other countries and are that have worked well for other countries that are said that providing safety equipment and gear was “I can’t give my opinion on the concerns as we as hospital. unable to return to Sri Lanka, while some other coming out of their own lockdowns. the responsibility of the relevant companies. a Commission discussed the matter and wrote to the Following this, several private hospitals parents are hospitalised or sent to quarantine The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced “All first aid and safety equipment are a must. Those President. Therefore, before the next sitting of the conducted the PCR test as an in-ward test. centres as they are infected by Covid-19.” last week that countries should think twice before are regulations. The provision of such gear is the Commission, we might send an acknowledgement, However, the Association said in a press release The NCPA is at present devising a long-term lockdowns are ended. responsibility of the companies concerned,” he said. but a proper reply would be sent after discussing the on 3 April that it was of the view that such a test national psychosocial support programme He went on to say the Government would oversee matter at the Commission,” Deshapriya explained. should be done as an outpatient (OP) service to ensure the wellbeing of all children in Sri CAA on... matters to ensure that the workers’ safety was ensured. Dr. Jayasundera sent the aforesaid letter on 6 April under stringent quality guidelines since the Lanka; the plan has been discussed during an “Things will be monitored to make sure the proper 2020 to Deshapriya in response to the letters sent private hospitals are not permitted to admit inter-agency committee meeting joined in by Accordingly, the MRP prices of rice varieties protective and safety gear is provided and hygiene by the EC Chairman, under the title “Parliamentary Covid-19-suspected patients. representative of UNICEF, World Vision, Save including keeri samba, white/red samba – white/red standards are met.” Election 2020 and Date of Summoning of the New Peiris said that the discussions with the The Children, Child Fund, Leeds, Federation raw samba, steam2ed/boiled white/red nadu, and At the latter stage of last month, some 15,000 free Parliament”, dated 31 March 2020 and 1 April 2020. Government last week had covered the of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka steamed/boiled white/red raw rice Rs. 125, 90, 90, trade zone workers were on the streets demanding In the letter written to Dr. Jayasundera, EC Chairman availability of PCR machines, the capacity, (FITIS), and Sarvodaya. 90, and 85 respectively. payment of their salaries – an issue which the Deshapriya said that in keeping with the provisions and how many tests could be conducted per day, Prof. Vidanapathirana stated that the In addition, a controlled price of Rs. 65 per kilo for Government claimed to have resolved. of the Constitution, the new Parliament will have adding that there is absolutely no difference in programme will roll out as a two-week, three- dhal and Rs. 100 for a 450 g tin of fish, was imposed – Skandha Gunasekara to meet latest by 2 June, which means the election the quality or effectiveness between the tests month, and six-month programme. In the with effect from 18 March following the announcement would have to be held by at least 27 or 28 May, and conducted at private hospitals and government meantime, the NCPA had also trained their made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. PAYE tax... preparation for the poll will have to commence by hospitals. psychosocial support officers from all 25 districts However, as highlighted by many consumers, the 20 April at least. Given the present situation with the Meanwhile, responding to our article on how to counsel the affected families and items for which the Government imposed an MRP Accordingly, with effect from 1 April, on the request spread of Covid-19, the EC said it is difficult to expect published last Sunday (5) on page one under the children. were not available in markets for those controlled of an employee whose gross remuneration for a month that there would be a conducive environment for the headline “Covid-19 PCR testing; pvt. hospitals The Sunday Morning contacted the Police prices and instead, the consumers had to pay higher exceeds Rs. 250,000 per month or Rs. 3,000,000 for holding of elections even by end-May. contradict Health Ministry”, the APHNH stated Media Division to obtain the number of prices for most of these items. a year of assessment, an Advance Personal Income The President dissolved Parliament on 2 March categorically that it has and will continue to complaints it had received over the past few When The Sunday Morning contacted the Sri Lanka Tax could be deducted by the employer. and fixed 25 April as the date of the election, but abide by the MoH instructions and directives days pertaining to domestic violence and child Trade Development Council (SLTDC) Chairman Announcing the tax revisions, the Inland Revenue the EC decided to postpone the poll in the wake of at all times. abuse, but was told that they were not currently Roshana Waduge, he stressed that the council had Department (IRD) said as instructed by the Ministry the spread of the coronavirus. In his proclamation Referring to the sentence: “To-date, Covid- keeping a record of those numbers. instructed the importers who are members of the council of Finance on 31 January and March 5, changes have dissolving Parliament, the President fixed 14 May 19 PCR testing is not being carried out by any We were then asked to contact the Sri Lanka to adhere to government rules and regulations and been proposed to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of for the meeting of the new Parliament. of the member hospitals of the Association Police Women and Child Bureau and when not get blacklisted as it would affect future business. 2017 (IRA) pending formal amendments being made In responding to the EC’s letter, Dr. Jayasundera as an OPD test despite the Ministry of contacted, the Bureau refused to provide At present, there are no shortage of food items in to the Act, and to be implemented with effect from 1 as per the instructions given by the President, pointed Health(‘s) instructions,” it said: “We note with statistics over the phone. Sri Lanka but there are complaints of several items January 2020, unless otherwise stated. out that the latter has failed to act according to the full disappointment that the author has misleadingly being sold at higher rates than the government-imposed The changes proposed include the removal of the provisions of Section 24 of the Parliamentary Elections used the term ‘despite the MoH instructions’ Numbers to report domestic MRP, Waduge stressed. requirement for deduction of Withholding Tax (WHT) Act and should have published another date for the instead of ‘as per the MoH instruction’. The violence and child abuse: Meanwhile, local food importers claimed they are in (including PAYE) on any payment which is due general election as per Section 24 (3) of the Act. Association draws your attention to the Ministry yy Women In Need – 011 4718585/077 a quandary as the import cost of food items are higher and payable to resident persons by any withholding Under the circumstances, Dr. Jayasundera has of Health circular dated 18 March 2020, wherein 7349100 than the MRPs imposed by the Government and the agents (WHA). informed Deshapriya that there is no need for the the first sentence as quoted in the circular states: yy Anuradhapura – 077 7349103 situation got worst with the recent rapid depreciation In addition, the income tax rate of a company, matter to be referred to the Supreme Court. ‘PCR test should not be done as a screening test yy Jaffna – 077 9044202 of the rupee against the US Dollar. an individual or a partnership, income tax rates on However, when The Sunday Morning contacted but should be conducted only for the in-ward A member of the Colombo Importers Association certain profits of specific industries and tax slabs of Director General of Elections Saman Rathnayake patients at your hospital,’ which again proves yy Badulla – 077 2083319 Alshafa Yoosuf told The Sunday Morning that though individuals have been revised. to see how long it would take to hold the election our position that we are abiding by Health yy Matara – 071 3481650 business was not profitable, they continue the supply According to the IRD, the taxable income of a after the curfew was lifted, he explained that the Ministry directives.” yy Police Children and Women Bureau – 011 considering the prevailing situation of the country. company was set at 24% while on gains and profits Secretariat would need at least five weeks to prepare – Agra Ranasinghe 2444444 Yoosuf is an importer of many essentials including from specific businesses, it was set at 14%. Taxes on for elections, as at the time it was postponed due to the yy ChildLine Sri Lanka – 1929 onion, potatoes, sprats, dry chilies, and dhal. gains and profits from manufacturing, from conducting coronavirus pandemic, only the nomination process Curfew increases... Comparing the MRP and the import cost, he stressed betting and gaming, and the manufacture and sale or had been completed. that it was hardly enough to cover the expenses. import and sale of any liquor or tobacco products were “The Elections Secretariat had not even completed NCPA Chairma Prof. Muditha “We imported big onions recently which cost Rs. set at 18%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. the documentation necessary to hold the postal voting Vidanapathirana, speaking to The Sunday 130 per kg but in the market, the MRP never goes In November last year, soon after the new and most importantly, it should give time for political Morning, stated: “Prior to the curfew being SLPP suspends above Rs. 110 per kg. If it’s only 100 kg, we can Government came into power, it announced the parties to communicate their policies to the public, imposed, from the 40 complaints we received manage but when its about 2.5 metric tonnes, it is a removal of a number of taxes including the PAYE which is an essential part of democracy,” he added. per day, only 10% was related to child cruelty, membership of huge loss for an importer,” he stressed. and also the reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT). – Maheesha Mudugamuwa whereas now, although the number of complaints Main essentials are still being imported into the Accordingly, the Nation Building Tax (NBT) received per day has reduced to 10, about 42% child rape-accused country and there was a halt of essentials coming imposed on household goods and service products Island quarantine... of the complaints are related to cruelty against It was reported that the Sri Lanka from India but from other countries such as Canada, was completely removed. children.” Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on 10 April Australia, Holland, Pakistan. and Thailand, the imports WHT on interest has also been removed. The debit This is part of an enhanced naval security He said that between the period of 16 March suspended the party membership of its were still continuing, according to Yoosuf. tax imposed on banks and other financial institutions as programme devised by the SL Navy to prevent and 9 April, the NCPA had received 307 Thanamalwila Pradeshiya Sabha member As learnt by The Sunday Morning, the Cabinet has well as the capital gains tax imposed on the Colombo the arrival of Indians in Sri Lanka following the complaints, out of which 127 were pertaining R.A. Ranaweera after he was arrested decided to provide the subsidies for co-oporative and Stock Exchange (CSE) has been removed. The Cabinet rise in the number of Covid-19 patients in India. to cruelty against children and domestic violence. on 8 April by the Sewanagala Police Sathosa outlets to keep selling tinned-fish and dhal at also granted approval to abolish the PAYE tax as well “If any Indian national comes to Sri Lanka “We are gravely concerned about the along with four others for the rape of a the controlled prices. as the Debt Repayment Levy. under such circumstances, there is a suggestion wellbeing of children who are now trapped 13-year-old girl. When queried, the Prime Minister’s Officer denied to send them back to their country or to take them with their abusers within the same household. The alleged rape had taken place on 6 such a decision had been taken by Cabinet. Estate increases... to another island for the safety of Sri Lankans,” Considering the present situation, we request April in Kiriibbanara, Sewanagala. It is Sathosa Chairman Nushad Perera noted that all “On Thursday, they had increased the minimum to Navy Spokesman Lieutenant Commander Isuru the parents and guardians to be kind, loving, learnt that even though the villagers were Sathosa outlets countrywide were still selling dhal 18 kg. Usually, it is 16 kg. This caused the workers Suriyabandara told The Sunday Morning yesterday and empathetic towards children and make an initially concerned that the perpetrators and tinned fish at controlled prices and there was no to protest and stop working,” she said. (11). effort to keep them happy and provide them were protected by influential people, the change in that. The demonstration had intensified due to the The special security programme particularly the necessary protection at this difficult time,” authorities were pressurised to arrest the refusal of the estate to pay wages even if 14 kg covers the northern, north western, and southern he noted. perpetrators after mainstream media started Workers demand... had been plucked. Kalaiselvi went on to say that it seas which are the most popular routes for Indian Prof. Vidanapathirana also noted that the reporting on the incident. was unfair of the plantation companies to demand fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters. situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic The suspects were presented to courts Chairman of the Inter Company Employees Union, increased output during a severe drought. He also requested the residents of these areas can affect children in several aspects. Out of and are to be in remand custody until Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) member Wasantha “There has been a continuous drought for a long to inform the responsible authorities if any such the confirmed 197 Covid-19-positive cases (at 16 April. The girl is currently receiving Samarasinghe told The Sunday Morning that it was the time now and there are hardly any leaves to pluck. person is found arriving in Sri Lanka. the time of writing) in Sri Lanka, 21 of them treatment at the Hambantota District responsibility of the Government and the companies They cannot justify increasing the limit to 18 kg. The naval operation is being operated 24 hours a are children under the age of 18; unlike other General Hospital. employing the workers to ensure their safety. Collecting 16 kg was hard as it is,” she said. day. The Navy Intelligence as well as the Air Force illnesses, these children will not be attended by “These are not normal circumstances. A number of The issue of plantation workers being overworked Intelligence have been deployed for this operation. their close family and will be treated in isolation. –Sarah Hannan 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, April 12, 2020

SHORTAGE OF INSULIN VIALS East West Properties donates Rs. 13 m Sri Lankan to Army and Sri J’pura Hospital Govt. East West Properties PLC (EWP) made a donation of Rs. 8.5 million to the Army Welfare Fund to help ingenuity complete the conversion of a ward of the Mulleriyawa District Hospital (Colombo East Hospital) awaits new for Covid-19-infected persons. An additional Rs. 4.5 million was utilised to purchase a PCR continues Detection System Machine for Covid-19 testing. East West Properties PLC’s shipment majority shareholders include Nahil Wijesuriya and his children. EWP Director and Shareholder to shine Anika Wijesuriya Jayawickreme said: “With the help of Bharathi Wijeratne, Dr. Naomali Amarasena, Cardiologist, Sri Jayewardenapura General Hospital and Dr. Janaki Abeynayake, Consultant Virologist at the Medical Research Institute, we were able to source a machine from Singapore that BY SARAH HANNAN would allow for testing to begin at Sri Jayewardenepura General The All Ceylon Medical Officers’ Association Hospital.” (ACMOA) last week stated that there is an insulin Although we have a batch of 80,000 insulin “The hospital is a designated shortage in government and private hospitals vials in stock, which we The PPE with the government testing facility for and it can possibly have an effect on diabetic received two weeks ago, cooling system Covid-19. However, it does not patients who need to obtain their dosage the country of origin for have a machine at the moment regularly from clinics. the vials is not cleared BY AGRA RANASINGHE “The specialty of this design is that for testing. Our purchase of this by the NMRA; to obtain the overall kit comes complete with an machine will certainly help the Speaking to The Sunday insulin for clinical patients clearance for it, we will The Covid-19 pandemic is a internal cooling system, which is a great initiative to test more of the Morning, ACMOA General whose movement has have to receive Cabinet stark reminder of the emerging and solution to the inconvenience caused general public. Secretary Dr. Jayantha been hampered due to approval. Since it may re-emerging infectious pathogens in by excessive wear and sweat during Contd. on page 14 Bandara revealed that the ongoing curfew,” Dr. take a long time, we can the globe and the need for constant work. This can be used to reduce the although the Ministry of Bandara elaborated. hopefully use the stock vigilance, prompt diagnosis, and temperature inside the PPE kit. Health (MoH) has instructed The Association had that is arriving on 12 innovative countermeasures. “The problem most doctors face the patients without having any clinics to arrange the meanwhile written to April Last week, The Sunday Morning with other PPE is excessive sweating. physical contact. delivery of medicines for the MoH to look at a MSD Deputy Director featured some local innovations that Therefore, I introduced this device Isolation pod patients, they would face method to fulfil the insulin Dr. A.T. Sudarshana have supported in controlling the spread to reduce the heat in the PPE. There practical issues of delivering requirement of the country of the virus in answer to the increasing is a special gadget connected to this An isolation pod to transport insulin to patients as the and make immediate clinics,” he explained. shortages in medical supplies and kit, allowing doctors to easily use the coronavirus-infected patients has been vials need to be transported purchases so that the The MSD is expecting equipment faced by security forces stethoscope. This kit is stitched using invented by a group of experts. The in a cool box. diabetic patients could be a shipment of 160,000 and health authorities. This week, we silicone so that it can be used for a idea to create this chamber was given “We have also received treated accordingly. insulin vials today (12) and will look at a few more innovations long time. However, there’s a shortage by Dr. Pathum Kerner. Speaking to reports that there is a Dr. Sudarshana believes that have come about as a result of Sri in some of the raw materials needed The Sunday Morning, Dr. Kerner said shortage of insulin not only New stock from UK the stock will be sufficient Lankan talent and intellect to support for the PPE. that it will cost more than Rs. 500,000 in government hospitals The Sunday Morning for the next three months. the efforts of the security forces and “We have already got the approval to import this machine and that it can and pharmacies, but contacted MoH Medical While there is already a health authorities. from the Sri Lanka Inventors be manufactured at a cost less than Rs, also in private hospitals Supplies Division (MSD) batch of insulin at stores, Commission (SLIC) for this PPE. 100,000 right here in Sri Lanka. and pharmacies as well. Deputy Director Dr. A.T. the MSD is unable to Special helmet issue it to the hospitals as A businessman from Thalapathpitiya, the National Medicines Nugegoda has created a special helmet Regulatory Authority for the protection against Covid-19 and (NMRA) had not approved distributes them free of charge to public it due to the change in the health inspectors (PHIs), the Police, and country of production. the armed forces. Sanjeewa Ganegoda, “Although we have a a resident down Cemetery Road in batch of 80,000 insulin vials Thalapathpitiya, is the owner of a helmet in stock, which we received manufacturing company. He has already two weeks ago, the country distributed 2,200 special helmets. of origin for the vials is not cleared by the NMRA; to obtain clearance for it, we will have to receive Cabinet approval. Since it may Medi Mate developed by the Research and take a long time, we can Development Unit of Sri Lanka Navy hopefully use the stock that is arriving on 12 April,” Dr. Prof. Rangika Halwatura of the Sudarshana stated. University of Moratuwa and UVT Insulin stocks are supported me to design this PPE kit,” generally imported from Samarasinghe shared. “This chamber is especially created India, China, and Indonesia. As reported, the regular PPE kit to transport patients safely so that other According to MoH However, due to the currently being used by doctors and doctors, nurses, and staff in the safety statistics, Sri Lanka has suspension of imports from The special helmet created by Sanjeewa nurses is not comfortable to be in and zone are not at risk of being infected about 2.5 million diabetic We urge the health these countries over the Ganegoda of Thalapathpitiya therefore, this invention could greatly with Covid-19 which may spread patients. Out of this, a authorities to look at a past weeks, the supplier relieve these frontline personnel when from the patient. This chamber has the majority of the patients feasible method to supply had sourced the stock of handling excessive work as it aims to allowance to connect the necessary have Type 1 diabetes the necessary insulin for insulin vials from a different PPE with cooling system reduce excessive sweating. machines used to retrieve the relevant (insulin-dependent clinical patients whose country. Furthermore, Dr. A student from the University of information about the patient that diabetes) and are prescribed Sudarshana stated that the Vocational Technology (UVT) in Remote-control doctors need. movement has been mattress a daily dosage of insulin. hampered due to the MSD does not wish to Ratmalana designed personal “It costs more than Rs. 500,000 to So, if they have to forego ongoing curfew put the patients’ lives in protective equipment (PPE) with A first-year student from import this machine. But it only costs their insulin intake, it ACMOA General danger and therefore they a special cooling system. Dilan the School of Nursing in approximately between Rs. 50,000 and may affect their health Secretary decided to wait for the next Ravindu Samarasinghe, the Kalutara has invented a 100,000 to locally manufacture this adversely,” Dr. Bandara Dr. Jayantha Bandara shipment of insulin to arrive designer, is also a trainee at the model of a remote-control special chamber,” Sr. Kerner explained. explained. from the UK, which is an National Engineering Research mattress that can be used The masterminds behind this The lack of insulin NMRA-approved country of and Development Centre by doctors and nurses invention are anaesthesiology specialist will not only increase the Sudarshana to inquire about production for insulin. (NERD). to examine Covid-19- Dr. Vishaka Kerner, electronic engineer patients’ sugar levels, but the shortage. Confirming “At the moment, we have It is reported that this infected patients while Chaminda Karunathilake, Pathum could also affect their that there is in fact a short also taken from the trade is the first time the maintaining a safe Jayanath, and K.D.G. Raju, the Owner nervous system and heart supply of insulin in both stocks that were available world has seen such a distance from of Cinequema Apparel Company that functionality and lead to government and private at the State Pharmaceutical PPE innovation with them. helped the team manufacture the pod. stroke and paralysis. Dr. hospitals, Dr. Sudarshana Corporation (SPC) and a special cooling This “By now, the trials have been Bandara also noted that informed that the sudden issued it to the hospitals system which invention has conducted and the results are being even patients with Type closure of airports and to be administered to significantly the ability examined of this invention with the 2 diabetes are prescribed seaports due to Covid-19 in-house patients. I believe distinguishes this to control support of the SLIC,” said Dr. Kerner. insulin along with other had caused the shortage. that even the patients who kit from other the mattress Contd. on page 14 medications. However, due “The lockdowns imposed come for monthly clinics PPE kits. while to the shortage of insulin, in countries such as India will be issued insulin for In conversation maintaining these patients too will have and China have disrupted two months and when we with The distance With these innovations, health complications. the (distribution of) medical placed the order, we took Sunday Morning, between the Sri Lankans are supporting “Given the present supplies which were to be them into account as well,” Samarasinghe explained staff and the the government health Covid-19 pandemic shipped to Sri Lanka. With Dr. Sudarshana added. the special features of patient. As reported, sector, the Coronavirus situation in Sri Lanka, if that, we had to manage the In conclusion, Dr. his PPE design and said the student has used Prevention Task Force, these diabetic patients are stock that was available Sudarshana said that that it can be made in large the remote controller and all the security admitted to the hospitals in our stores and had to hospitals will probably quantities incurring a low to control a motor forces in controlling for care, it presents a prioritise the in-house start delivering insulin to cost. connected to the the spread of the virus serious healthcare risk. patients who are receiving patients only if the curfew mattress, which can in hopes of helping the Therefore, we urge the treatment at the moment. continues and with the The isolation pod invented by move the mattress to health authorities to look Also, since monthly clinics incoming stocks, they a group of experts to transport either side. Therefore, country recover as soon as at a feasible method to are not functioning, no should be able to manage coronavirus-infected patients the nurses and doctors possible. supply the necessary stocks were required by the the same. are able to examine the sunday morning 35 Sunday, April 12, 2020 FOCUS The daily struggle for survival z Curfew hurting daily wage earners zNo income, only expenses zProposed relief insufficient

BY AGRA RANASINGHE earned by us; especially the Western responsible for providing this money, some Province Transport Authority and National politicians have taken the responsibility There are many people in Sri Lanka Transport Authority. This is really unfair into their hands and are handling it as they who earn a daily income which most because these authorities are enriched by our want. When I went to the SOS Village in the of the time is sufficient for their money. I informed (Passenger) Transport Kesbawa area, the three-wheeler drivers said day-to-day needs. Represented Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, (Secretary that they did not get the money. As a result, in different kinds of professions, to the President) Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, and they are in a predicament." these daily wage earners are highly (Education, Sports, and Youth Affairs) To address the issues pertaining to relief affected due to the impact of Covid- Minister Dullas Alahapperuma via text provision for daily wage earners, The Sunday 19 and are unable to earn their messages.” Morning contacted MP Namal Rajapaksa last week, who said that before the Sinhala daily wages, as everyone has been Three-wheeler drivers and Tamil New Year, a relief package of directed by the Government to stay affected too Rs. 5,000 will be given to the families that at home because of curfew. Another party that is affected by this crisis deserve it. Therefore, these people are said to be is the three-wheeler drivers who depend on "The Presidential Task Force has already suffering these days due to not being able to a daily income. Three-wheeler hires have started with the procedure to provide Rs. obtain their essentials. In the midst of this, become a major means of self-employment 5,000 to such families. Most of them are the public has cried out for the Government in Sri Lanka. Three-wheeler drivers’ daily already being given this and some are yet to to pay proper attention to these groups in income is dependent on the number of hires be given. Before the Sinhala and Tamil New terms of relief. PHOTO © A BLOGOGRAPHY OF PHOTOGRAPHY they take for a day. By the end of 2018, the Year, they will distribute this relief to those rise in the number of households that owned families. This will cover all the people in Lottery ticket sellers, bus drivers, supporting the selling community once we Govt. not paying attention? a three-wheeler was recorded at 188%, need of help as the allocation and selection is conductors badly affected start selling tickets again. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Lanka which is much greater than the growth of done by area-based political leadership and Among these people, lottery ticket sellers “Therefore, the Lotteries Board’s Private Bus Owners’ Association President households that owned a car (55%), and government officials," Rajapaksa noted. are some of the worst affected by the social management and Hon. Prime Minister Gemunu Wijeratne said that bus conductors households owning a bus or lorry (40%), Not only bus drivers, but conductors, three- restrictions brought on by the rapid spread of Mahinda Rajapaksa shared the opinion and drivers were complaining about the according to the Department of Census and wheeler drivers, and lottery sellers are also the pandemic. Even before the curfew was of providing relief to them. We gave each difficulty to survive and that they were asking Statistics (2013-2018). affected, as there are more people in a wide declared, small-scale agents did not open agent a Rs. 2,500 package. We have a for relief from the Government. Therefore, there is a large number of three- variety of livelihoods that survive on a daily their single-room shops and those selling large number of sellers who have benefited “There are nearly 50,000 employees wheeler drivers in Sri Lanka; especially income. lottery tickets at bus stands were absent. from this package. We are also monitoring working as bus drivers and conductors. because they belong to the self-employment The philanthropic and charitable capacity It’s not surprising to hear that there are the impact of the curfew. We are having Most of them do not occupy another job and category, the profession entails no age limit. in Sri Lanka runs deep, even in the toughest many differently abled people working discussions in order to understand how we they earn only through this job. Not just bus Most of the three-wheeler drivers are times. In this situation, we see citizens as vendors selling lottery tickets. Selling can support them through this period.” drivers and conductors, even bus owners unable to work in another profession because distributing essential goods to help those lottery tickets is the only source of income Although the agents have been given fall under this category. As an industry, we the educational background of the majority in need in some areas. Many news stories these people have. Furthermore, most of the some money, lottery ticket seller Jayasinghe contribute 12.5% of the gross income of the only shows the completion of their Ordinary were shared on social media of people who ticket sellers are pensioners, disabled, or told The Sunday Morning that as of yet, he country. But we have a problem as to why Level examination, with many not passing, contributed some of their earnings to those old people who try to survive with minimal had not been paid any amount of money and the Government is not paying attention to this while a very low percentage of them have who are in need of help. There are a few income. was not aware as to whether they will be matter. Although other employees who work faced the Advanced Level examination. politicians who have contributed essential In order to know whether they have been given money. in the government sector earn a monthly Speaking to The Sunday Morning, goods to people as well. given any relief because they are forced Another group that is economically salary, these people do not get a monthly Lanka Professional Three-wheeler Drivers’ Nevertheless, there’s another completely to stay at home, The Sunday Morning affected are drivers and conductors attached income and they have no other income Association Chairman Sunil Jayawardana different story hidden behind this situation. contacted National Lotteries Board to private bus companies. In most cases, source,” Wijeratne noted. said: "As much as we are happy about the Large extortion rackets that feed on small Chairman Lalith Piyum Perera. private bus companies run services parallel He added that the relief proposed by relief given by the Hon. President and the vendors, three-wheeler drivers, and bus “Three days before curfew was imposed, to Ceylon Transport Board (CTB) services. the Government for these drivers and Prime Minister to the three-wheeler drivers, drivers are now unsustainable; sources we ordered to halt the sale of lottery tickets. The public says that private buses are conductors is grossly insufficient, stating: on the other hand, it is sad to see that a indicated that such practices were occurring We realised that the sellers closely contact more comfortable and usually faster than “We were asked to get Rs. 5,000 from the majority of the three-wheeler drivers are not in Colombo and its suburbs. And because the buyers and are therefore at risk of the CTB services. Private bus companies grama sevaka. These workers usually earn receiving it. Politicians in the relevant area of the impact of Covid-19, these rackets are infection. There are more than 15,000 lottery provide their services several times an hour Rs. 5,000 in two days, therefore how can are not taking proper action to provide this unable to function, which one can interpret as ticket sellers around the country. Among during daytime and after completing their the Government think that it is enough for money. As a result, in some areas this money silver lining amidst all this gloom. them, most of the sellers are disabled and last round, they get their daily income. But them to survive for a month? The National is paid to those with political affiliations. However, it is truly unfortunate that even they are not capable of doing other jobs. We as curfew has been declared for almost a Transport Commission and other transport “Therefore, a majority of them are not even the people who earn their livelihood by actually didn’t know that the curfew will month, these bus drivers and conductors are authorities are financially stable. They get able to celebrate the New Year. Although legitimate means are unable to fulfil at least continue for this long and we thought of unable to get their daily earnings. money by tendering buses and by penalties the grama sevaka in the relevant area is their daily essential needs.

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA FOREIGN AID TO COMBAT COVID-19 be some in the Opposition camp who allege otherwise and try to With a pandemic such as Covid-19 do what they did prior to the 2015 paralysing the entire planet and its presidential election, but we have economies, Sri Lanka has received nothing to hide," he said. over $ 600 million in foreign aid Govt. promises transparency Semasinghe went to on to say and loans over the past few weeks. that the task force overseeing However, questions have been raised the containment of the Covid-19 about the manner in which these zMost funds for health sector z Chinese loan to strengthen outbreak has no monetary powers. funds will be utilised and whether "The task force itself has no that will be done with transparency. and relief measures foreign reserves monetary powers. Our prime target On 2 April, the World Bank’s is to control the spread of the Board of Executive Directors (WHO) and to strengthen laboratory support one another as partners and purposes of tackling the Covid-19 However, Transparency virus. We will spend on that and in approved the Covid-19 Emergency networks in the country. Sri Lanka’s friends. This donation reflects our virus outbreak and the support of International Sri Lanka (TISL) addition, we will spend to address Response and Health Systems agricultural sector will benefit from enduring relationship; resilient even vulnerable groups such as low- said that it was critical that the other issues such as food supply, but Preparedness Project for Sri Lanka € 16.5 million in funding. In these in the face of this global pandemic. income families, Attygalle said that Government was transparent about all our spending will be transparent worth $ 128 million to “help trying times, maintaining open trade As in the past, we are proud to the Chinese loan would be finalised the use of the foreign loans and aid and will be open to public scrutiny," the country prevent, detect, and and safeguarding the supply chains, provide critical support to help next month and would help prop up received. Semasinghe noted. respond to the Covid-19 pandemic especially agricultural and health Sri Lanka combat Covid-19,” US the rupee as well as other financial "It is encouraging to see the world He added that the inflow of aid and strengthen its public health supply chains, is essential to the Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. aspects of the economy. coming together with instances of and loans from the international preparedness”. wellbeing of the population. This Teplitz said in a statement. “The Chinese loan is important bilateral and multilateral support in community was a clear indication of The project aims to help Sri Lanka funding will take into account the In addition, China agreed to foreign cash flow to our economy. times of unprecedented challenges. close ties with the current Sri Lankan prioritise stopping or slowing the impact of Covid-19 by mobilising provide a concessionary loan of $ It will be used to repay debt as well When looking at the coronavirus Government. spread of the coronavirus to reduce more private capital in rural areas 500 million to Sri Lanka earlier last as for other economic activities,” he relief funds received by Sri Lanka, “The World Bank has pledged the number of cases and prevent and by assisting small businesses month on 18 March. The loan is to said, noting that if needed, it could the majority of which are loans, some $ 120 million and the EU has outbreaks in the community, as well and workers in the Uva and Central be given to Sri Lanka with a maturity be used to help with the coronavirus the Government must proactively pledged € 22 million. One of the as to “scale up emergency response Provinces. Finally, the EU will period of 10 years as well as a as well. disclose how they plan to use these most-used allegations against our mechanisms, strengthen the capacity support the Sri Lankan tourism three-year grace period along with However, Attygalle said the funds," TISL Executive Director Government from the Opposition is of laboratories and hospitals, industry with a € 3.5 million grant; concessionary interest rates linked to Chinese loan was important to Asoka Obeysekara said. that our Government has no support treat patients, train medical staff, in particular, the smaller operators a six-month USD LIBOR. stabilise the rupee. “It is a different He went on to say that from the international community. and raise public awareness about and their employees. Some of type of loan. It can be used for transparency was especially But now, we have got support hand-washing, hygiene, and social the assistance will be provided Transparency in Covid-19 but its main purpose is important as an election was around from almost all the countries,” distancing”, according to the World immediately and the rest will be allocation of funds to strengthen our foreign reserves. the corner. Semasinghe said. Bank statement. delivered later in the year and To inquire what the money would Basically, it is for our foreign "This is particularly important “The World Bank is working will continue thereafter,” the EU be utilised on, The Sunday Morning reserves,” he said. during a time when elections have SL still supported by intl. closely with the Government of statement read. contacted the Secretary to the been called and campaigning runs community Sri Lanka to contain the spread Meanwhile, on the same day, the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury the risk of being combined with Furthermore, Semasinghe noted of Covid-19 and prepare the US committed $ 1.3 million through S.R. Attygalle, who told us that relief work. In taking the political that the international community had country for potential future disease the US Agency for International a majority of the financial decision of not calling off commended both the Government emergencies. Sri Lanka has already Development (USAID) to help aid from foreign sources elections, it is important to and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa taken preventive measures to contain protect healthcare workers and slow would be used for the take extra precautions to for the measures taken to contain the this rapidly evolving pandemic and the spread of the virus with infection health sector, while ensure that relief work Covid-19 outbreak. protect its people. Our support will prevention and control support. some countries had takes place in the best “The WHO has commended complement these efforts and help According to the US Embassy in extended aid in the form interest of citizens, the President on how measures reduce future risks,” World Bank Sri Lanka, “funding will provide Sri of supplies and equipment, whilst not being were taken to contain the spread of Country Director for the Maldives, Lanka the support to activate case and not cash. in violation of the virus. Even on top of this, the Nepal, and Sri Lanka Idah Z. finding and event-based surveillance, “We have received election laws and President made a request from the Pswarayi-Riddihough said. technical experts for response and equipment and such from circular directions of international community to extend A few days later, on 9 April, preparedness, risk communication, several countries including India. the Election Commission – some leniency to countries that have the European Union (EU) and its infection prevention and control, But we have received purely violations of which can carry taken loans. The President didn’t member states extended a € 22 and more. Additionally, the US will financial assistance from a few strict penalties," Obeysekara make this request solely for Sri million grant to Sri Lanka to address help prepare Sri Lankan laboratory countries. Most of it will be utilised stressed. Lanka’s case but for the benefit of the Covid-19 outbreak. systems for large-scale Covid-19 for the health sector and to support When asked about transparency, all countries. Secondly, there were The EU grant targets three specific testing". low-income groups. I signed the State Minister of Finance Shehan media reports that US President sectors – health, agriculture, and The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka agreement for the World Bank grant Semasinghe said that all transactions Donald Trump had to threaten India tourism. said the donation was a symbol of last Friday (3), and that is basically and spending of foreign aid will be to get down medicine, but on the “For health, the EU will be the strong relationship between the meant for the health sector and low- open to the public. other hand, Sri Lanka was able to get providing € 2 million for equipment two nations. income groups,” Attygalle said. "Anybody can get details about the required aid from India. China and medical supplies to be procured “Through even the most difficult While noting that the finances how spending is being done. We also volunteered to help us,” he by the World Health Organisation times, Americans and Sri Lankans would be used for its assigned have nothing to hide. There may stressed. 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, April 12, 2020

strategies, due to higher food present, Sri Lanka is depending on prices or lost income, came at the the importation of seeds,” he added. expense of services such as health With the Covid-19 pandemic, Asked whether the home or education,” it further stated. the situation would be gardening concept would be In such a backdrop, concerns different as there would be effective, he stressed that it would have been raised over whether an unavoidable recession as help at a time like this, but soon Sri Lanka is prepared to face predicted by many economists, after the curfew is lifted and things such a food shortage as the and during such time, a come back to normal, most of the country is largely dependent on country could not depend on people might completely forget imports, which include a variety imports and therefore growing about the concept. of agricultural products and foods produce at home would be “But with the Covid-19 such as wheat, lentils, sugar, fruit, important in minimising any pandemic, the situation would milk, and milk products. food shortage be different as there will be an According to Department Former State Minister unavoidable recession as predicted of Agriculture statistics, the of Agriculture Vidura by many economists, and during importation of food and beverages Wickramanayake such time, a country could not has accounted for 7.2% of Sri depend on imports and therefore Lanka’s total imports in 2018. Sri be distributed through Samurdhi growing produce at home would be Lanka imported approximately 1.29 officers. more important in minimising any million metric tonnes of wheat in Meanwhile, Secretary to the food shortage,” he noted. 2018 and wheat imports from the Ministry of Mahaweli, Agriculture, According to him, curtailing US were estimated at around $ 28 Irrigation, and Rural Development importation would be important to million the same year. Sri Lanka’s Neil Hapuhinna estimated that at promote local agriculture. Asked annual imports of red lentils are least 75% of seed packs distributed about the unused state-owned estimated at approximately $ 79 under the programme would be lands, Wickramanayake noted that ENSURING FOOD SECURITY AMIDST COVID-19 million in which India is a main planted. those lands should be utilised for exporter. Furthermore, animal feed the cultivation of commercial crops. imports are valued at approximately Seed shortage In Sri Lankan home gardens, $ 176 million annually. While the Government trumpeted 60% of the vegetable production the programme, traditional is reported to comprise leafy Home gardening farmers around the country are greens while 20% consist of other As a measure to minimise the claiming that they are yet to be vegetables. If we evaluate the entire impacts of the impending world given the necessary seeds to begin volume of what is grown in a home food shortage, the Government has cultivation. garden and its consumption, it is recently launched a programme Speaking to The Sunday reported that more than 50% of The battle called “Saubhagya National Morning, All Island Farmers the produce consists of vegetables, Programme on Harvesting and Federation (AIFF) National fruits, medicinal plants, and herbs. Cultivation”. This is used to Organiser Namal Karunaratne As such, it can be concluded that promote home gardening through said that farmers are in a difficult the home garden concept can help its “Saubhagya Home Garden position as they cannot find the improve family nutrition and also Project” in order to encourage necessary seeds for cultivation. food security. the production of food at home. Government authorities are yet to Furthermore, medical research However, many doubts were raised provide the seeds, he said, adding has also discovered that families on the success of the programme that fertiliser and other necessary that consume produce from their continuesBY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA production has also slowed down “commodities need to move from due to the scarcity of seeds, items for cultivation have not yet home gardens have a lower risk of while transportation and logistics the world’s ‘breadbaskets’ to fertiliser, and other agriculture- been given to the farmers either. night blindness due to the increased While the world is struggling has also become a challenge; where they are consumed. Covid- based necessities in the country. “How could they promote home intake of vitamin A found in dark to control the spread of distribution channels are also 19-related containment measures The Saubhagya National gardening while they cannot green leafy vegetables grown at Covid-19 that has resulted in obstructed as both air and sea have started to make this more Programme on Harvesting and even provide (the) necessities for home. Therefore, home garden over 100,000 deaths globally, ports have been shut. Meanwhile, challenging”. Cultivation, which aims to develop traditional farming?” he stressed, produce also doubles as a vitamin many global experts predict economists predict that the world one million home gardens, pointing out that if planned well, supplement. that the next key concern will have to face a food shortage was launched on 4 April. The the programme could in fact make Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. of governments, including or food inflation which would programme is being implemented Sri Lanka self-sufficient in food Ramesh Pathirana told The Sunday that of Sri Lanka, would be to affect more than half the world’s How could they promote home under the supervision of the again. Morning that the distribution of population, especially the most Ministry of Mahaweli, Agriculture, Former State Minister seeds would be streamlined within ensure food security. gardening while they cannot vulnerable sector – the poor and even provide (the) necessities for Irrigation, and Rural Development of Agriculture Vidura the next two weeks and admitted Since the outbreak in China in underprivileged. traditional farming? with the aim of making Sri Lanka Wickramanayake also noted that that there was a shortage at present December last year, Covid-19 has Looming food crisis AIFF National Organiser Namal self-sufficient in food production. the farmers in the Kalutara District due to the ongoing crisis situation. spread in over 100 countries in less Karunaratne Speaking at the media had complained about the lack of When asked whether the food than three months, while the food In a new report released this briefing held to introduce the proper seeds for farming. imports would be halted in the crisis which began weeks after the month titled “Covid-19: Potential new programme, Co-Cabinet “Seeds are the most important future after the crisis is over, he outbreak has also spread to over impact on the world’s poorest “The consequences of food-price Spokesperson Dr. Bandula component when it comes to said that the Government halted 100 countries as most have been, people: A WFP analysis of the spikes in low-income countries Gunawardana said that a packet of farming, whether it is home the importation of all non-essential by and large, locked down. This economic and food security can be devastating and have seeds that includes five varieties gardening or traditional farming. imports except for fuel and has led to halted economic activity, implications of the pandemic”, the long-term repercussions. The of vegetables including capsicum But now in Sri Lanka, we have medicine with the aim to strengthen apart from those in healthcare World Food Programme (WFP), 2008 food-price crisis shows that and okra would be provided to each hybrid seeds which only work for domestic agriculture and domestic other essential services, resulting in the food-assistance branch of the (the) poorest households suffered household at a cost of just Rs. 20, one harvesting cycle at a time, and industries in the near future. idling factories and the curtailment United Nations (UN), stated that disproportionately. They tend to even though the Government had the seeds produced in the harvest He also noted that domestic of many service activities, in order global markets for basic cereals spend the largest share of income borne a cost of more than Rs. 150 cannot be replanted or do not give agriculture would be encouraged as to contain the pandemic. are well supplied and prices on food, but typically don’t have to produce these packets. According productive crop. The seed business many countries may restrict food As a result, food and agricultural are generally low. However, savings or access to credit. Coping to him, the seed packets would is a lucrative business and at exports in the near future.

BY SARAH HANNAN FROM FARM TO DOORSTEP While most of the production and supply lines have come to a halt during this quarantine curfew which is in place to stop the Feeding the rich and poor alike spread of Covid-19, the farmers of Sri Lanka are working the Agri Produce Management Corporation ESOFT to sell the produce to a wider fields so that the food supply for (LAPMC) has been able to maintain a population. These platforms procure the the consumers are not cut short. continuous supply chain from the farm to supplies from LAPMC and deliver it to With travel limitations being the doorstep of the consumer. the consumers’ doorsteps. The Sunday Morning spoke to LAPMC The LAPMC has also written to the implemented between districts, Managing Director Kavinda Dissanayake Presidential Task Force appointed to farmers who were dependent on on how their company has been able ensure the distribution of food and other transportation facilities through to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to essentials among the public during the third parties suffered the worst. consumers since its inception. curfew period, offering its assistance Prior to joining LAPMC, Dissanayake and mechanism to reach to the poorer However, on a small scale, one worked as the Chairman for the National segments of society. company has already established a method Institute of Post Harvest Management where, even during a crisis, farmers are (NIPHM). During his stint at the institute, Postharvest management able to sell their produce through their his team had got together to understand We inquired from Dissanayake as already-established distribution network. why agricultural practices in Sri Lanka to what methods LAPMC is using to Functioning for just over a year, Lanka always get hampered and create many store the fruits and vegetables that they issues due to the inability to streamline the purchase from the farmers until the supply chain. produce is delivered to the consumer. The research was conducted for about Responding to this, Dissanayake said: two years, and the team had come up LAPMC staff packing curated vegetable, fruit, and food supplementary packs “Sri Lanka is situated in the tropical with a programme on adapting methods belt which allows us to store certain suitable to Sri Lanka, with the contribution is a senior agriculturist, was appointed and fruit requirements of the country. commodities for a longer period of time, of the existing farmers, transporters, and as the Chairman of LAPMC, and one of “Given the current situation as a company whereas certain commodities cannot be retailers. the senior postharvest scientists in the that takes social responsibility to heart, stored for too long. “We wanted to create a single platform country, Dr. Shanthini Wilson Wijeratnam, we had to innovate methods of supplying These commodities that have a shorter which will link all these suppliers that was appointed as the Deputy Chairman fresh vegetables and fruits directly to the shelf life will need to go through a value- make up the supply chain. Unfortunately, of the corporation. With the launch of consumer. We curated vegetable, fruit, addition process, where the said fruit or the plan was not recognised by the then the programme, LAPMC had created a and food supplementary packs to match vegetable will have to be dehydrated, authorities, as they thought it was a very complete trading platform which could be consumer requirements at an affordable pulped, or pureed so it can be stored for a If people compare our prices with the ambitious plan and the Government was used by the farmer, transporter, retailer, price, ranging from Rs. 650 to Rs. 1,300, longer period of time.” market price, they will definitely see not ready to execute it. The director of and administrators. so that consumers could choose the pack With Sri Lanka having favourable a difference. We purchase produce the institute, one of the researchers, and Meanwhile, LAPMC also received the best suited for them.” weather all year round in different from the farmer at a higher price. For I decided that we should implement this opportunity to bid for a tender that was LAPMC, with the assistance of the parts of the country, farmers can easily instance, the market price for a kilo plan in our personal capacity outside the published by Lanka Sathosa to supply respective district secretariats and the cultivate produce throughout the year of watermelon at present is about national institute (NIPHM), and Lanka vegetables and fruits. LAPMC won Police, is currently conducting the if there is sufficient water. If Sri Lanka Rs. 8-10, but we purchase a kilo of Agri Produce Management Corporation the tender and is now signed up as the full-fledged distribution of fruits and has a distribution network in place, food watermelon at Rs. 35 was founded in 2018,” noted Dissanayake. exclusive partner for Lanka Sathosa for vegetables in and around Colombo. security will not become a problem. But LAPMC Managing Director Dissanayake also said that the fruits and vegetables. In addition to that, LAPMC has also this can only be achieved if all parties are Kavinda Dissanayake programme was launched in February With the country placed under curfew, partnered with online trading platforms geared to do so, Dissanayake reiterated. 2019 and Dr. Gerry Jayawardena, who LAPMC stepped in to fulfil the vegetable such as Uber, Takas.lk, OrelBuy, and Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, April 12, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

Dambulla DEC PHOTO © ADA DERANA

VEGETABLE FARMERS

ENDURE BLEAK Usually, around 7,000 farmers gather at the Keppetipola DEC each day. But now all these farmers have to go to one of those (aforementioned) places to sell their harvest W.M. Gunawardene, a vegetable farmer from Welimada

money,” he lamented. “Most of the vegetables are withered AVURUDUfarmers in trouble as they have to travel and cannot be kept for even a day or two z Closure of Dambulla from pillar to post to sell their harvests, in the refrigerator. At a time like this, he said. we don’t expect much, but when we see Economic Centre a body blow We buy essentials from the “Last week, we had a meeting and we as farmers throwing their vegetables and nearby shop on credit and farmers proposed the Government launch crying because they couldn’t sell them, we usually settle after we sell our a mechanism connecting railway lines think it’s high time for us to have a proper to distribute the vegetables around the mechanism to sort this issue.” z New Year targeted produce harvest. But now we have no country by using stations as (economic) Meanwhile, on Thursday (9) money left in our hands and the centres,” he said, adding that distribution Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Bandula vendor doesn’t give us essentials through the railway system is the easiest Gunawardana said the economic centres left to die on credit as he has limited and most economical solution at the will remain open for wholesale vendors in stocks which he sells for cash. moment. order to provide facilities for farmers who The majority of us cultivate “We have a railway line connecting cultivated agricultural crops targeting the z Govt. mechanism impractical the entire country, so we should use it to Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. vegetables distribute vegetables around the country Prasanna Lanka Koswatte, a vegetable and thereby give these farmers a chance and tainted by favouritism farmer from Mandaram Nuwara to earn something while at the same time giving relief to the consumers who We have a railway line BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA shop on credit and usually settle after currently purchase vegetables at much we sell our harvest. But now we have no at the Keppetipola DEC each day. But higher rates,” Karunaratne stressed. connecting the entire country, With the closure of the Dambulla money left in our hands and the vendor now all these farmers have to go to one of While farmers are struggling to sell so we should use it to distribute Dedicated Economic Centre (DEC) doesn’t give us essentials on credit as he those (aforementioned) places to sell their their crops, many people who are stuck vegetables around the country last week, upcountry vegetable has limited stocks which he sells for cash. harvest,” he stressed, pointing out that the at home are struggling to purchase and thereby give these farmers a farmers who grew crops aiming The majority of us cultivate vegetables; mechanism was in no way working for the vegetable for consumption. Even though chance to earn something while for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Mandaram Nuwara, we have a few farmers in Welimada. the Government promised easy access paddy cultivations and therefore, almost The main crops cultivated by farmers in to vegetables and other essentials during at the same time giving relief season are stuck with millions of to the consumers who currently rupees of produce that will soon all farmers had to buy rice from the shop. Welimada include carrots, leeks, potatoes, the indefinite curfew, many people living be left to rot and die on the vines However, now we have no money to buy tomatoes, and beans. in and around Colombo, along with all purchase vegetables at much rice or even medicine,” he lamented. However, speaking to The Sunday other high-risk areas are still struggling to themselves. higher rates Following the shutdown of the Morning, All Island Farmers’ Federation purchase essential items. AIFF National Organiser The decision to close down the economic centres, the Government (AIFF) National Organiser Namal A. Premathilake, a resident in Namal Karunaratne Dambulla DEC was taken by the last week introduced a mechanism to Karunaratne alleged that the henchmen Boralesgamuwa, claimed that they had Government last week as a measure distribute produce through divisional of some politicians have now entered the not seen a vegetable or fruit vendor to stop the spread of the deadly novel secretariats. Accordingly, subcommittees vegetable business and are trying to take for about a week. “Initially, there were “Both farmers and vendors have been coronavirus (Covid-19). However, tasked with supplying essential services control of the distribution process into several lorries going here and there, but strictly advised to follow the instructions farmers were yet to be given a workable at each divisional secretariat should order their own hands. the vegetable prices are high and a bag given by the medical authorities,” he solution to sell their harvests as many goods from economic centres before 10 The purchasing mechanism launched by of eight vegetable types is sold at around added. alleged the solutions given so far are not a.m. daily. These orders can be placed at the Government is not practical and it puts Rs. 500, which is actually not worth the Co-cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh practical. the Dambulla, Tambuttegama, Nuwara Pathirana told The Sunday Morning that When the Government announced the Eliya, Keppetipola, and Embilipitiya the economic centres would be re-opened decision to close down the Dambulla DECs. However, these economic centres Govt. grants Rs. 5,000 allowance to millions as soon and the Government had to close DEC on 7 April, many farmers, including have been closed down to curb the spread The countrywide Pathirana, he said the implemented under the them as people did not adhere to health Prasanna Lanka Koswatte, a vegetable of Covid-19. curfew imposed to restrict Government had already guidance of President advice given by the Government. farmer from Mandaram Nuwara, had The economic centres will confirm people’s movement and initiated a programme Gotabaya Rajapaksa When asked about the allegations already harvested their crops and even the possibility of supplying the required thereby to control the to provide an allowance considering the levelled by farmers claiming that there loaded their produce onto lorries to bring goods before 2 p.m. and distribute spread of the deadly of Rs. 5,000 for four difficulties faced by them was no proper mechanism to collect them to the Dambulla DEC. them among divisional secretariats with coronavirus has mainly million special citizens during the Covid-19 vegetables from them, Minister Pathirana “The announcement was made at the approval of the Government. The hurt daily wage earners, including senior outbreak. said that a proper mechanism was being around 2 p.m. and by that time, we had distribution of these orders among traders contractual labourers and citizens, kidney patients, “It has also been established and within the next two weeks finished loading and the lorries were would be handled by the subcommittees at self-employed workers, Samurdhi beneficiaries, identified that around every thing would be streamlined. already on their way to Dambulla. We divisional secretariats. among others, in the and differently-abled one million families Meanwhile, the Government has begun didn’t know what to do and all our “These are not practical; not all farmers informal economy in persons, considering the island-wide are also purchasing vegetables from farmers on Friday farmers wanted to sell their harvests can go to these places which are far away rural and urban areas, difficulties faced by them facing difficulties without (11). Accordingly, vegetables have been somehow because if not, they would not from the farmland. Even the businessmen pushing them out of jobs. during this outbreak. having any financial purchased from farmers in several places in be able to purchase their daily essentials,” who used to buy our crops are not Most people are unable Another one million support to fulfill their Dambulla for a special certified price. he told The Sunday Morning. interested in selling at these centres. I to purchase food stuff due families with financial day-to-day requirements. In addition, the Government has allocated Koswatte has a plot of land on which he didn’t even harvest the rest; I let the crops to financial constraints difficulties would benefit Considering this situation, Rs. 600 million to procure fish from fishermen primarily cultivates beans, leeks, carrots, perish there,” Koswatte stressed. while several private from the government relevant government and it also imposed a maximum retail prices and potatoes. Usually, April is the month sector entities have come allowance of Rs. 5,000 in officials of all 14,000 (MRP) on several rice varieties with effect he earns a considerable income from his Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday forward to help these the future, Pathirana said. grama niladhari divisions from today. harvest as during almost all other the Morning, W.M. Gunawardene, a farmer people. According to him, have already been A maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 125 times of the year, it is the middlemen who from Welimada, said the new economic In such a backdrop, around 5.4 million instructed to prepare a has been imposed on a kilogramme of keeri earn massive profits out of the hard work centres were set up far away and farmers when The Sunday families have already list of such families and samba while a maximum price of Rs. 90 has of these farmers. However this year, he is in Welimada, Keppetipola have to go Morning contacted benefited through currently, they are in been imposed on a kg of Samba (red/white). in dire straits like almost all other farmers all the way to Hakgala, Haldumulla, or Co-Cabinet Spokesman the relief assistance the process of preparing Meanwhile, the MRP on nadu is Rs. 90 per in his village. Mahiyanganaya, which is impossible. Minister Dr. Ramesh programme successfully those lists,” he added. kg while the MRP on white-red raw rice is “We buy essentials from the nearby “Usually, around 7,000 farmers gather Rs. 85 per kg. 8 the sunday morning EDITORIAL/FOCUS Sunday, April 12, 2020

PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Let’s win the battle, and the war It is inevitable that when a government focuses all its attention and resources on a critical issue, other areas that need attention tend to get neglected. This seems to be the case with regard to the farmers who are lamenting their predicament in not being able to sell their harvest on the one hand and consumers in the rest of the country lamenting the shortage of their daily staples on the other, the combination of which has led to bitterness and frustration all round. Meanwhile, the skyrocketing prices as a result of this situation has added fuel to the fire with the average consumer having to make some hard choices in already difficult times. The curfew in place, coupled with the shutting down of economic centres in favour of a phone and web-based system, although introduced with good intentions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, has not been effective in getting across the produce to the consumers, thus causing widespread disruptions to the supply chain, earning the ire of both farmers and consumers alike. The frustration is palpable. With the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year around the corner, farmers plant their crops in anticipation of good returns around this time. According to farmers, this year has seen a bumper crop of fruits and vegetables due to the favourable weather conditions, but this harvest is still either rotting in the fields or in storerooms due to the absence of buyers while consumers continue to be fleeced. Given the current situation, it is not too late even at this eleventh hour for GENERAL ELECTIONS 2020 the Government to intervene and buy the produce from farmers and distribute it to markets across the country using state resources. The forces that have done an excellent job in controlling the virus and who now have expertise in maintaining good hygiene standards, could be used for this purpose until such time things return to normal. The situation with regard to paddy however is different. The majority of rice farmers have already harvested their fields and sold their crops to Prez. gets key to middlemen who instead of feeding them to the mills are hoarding stocks to create an artificial shortage and thereby profit more from higher prices. It is in order to pre-empt this situation that the Government last week declared the operation of rice mills as an essential service and followed it up by imposing price controls on the selling price of the more widely consumed types of rice. The Government should keep in mind that after three weeks of lockdown, financial resources are running thin for most people and more so for the Consolidated Fund farmers who depend on turning their crops into cash. After all, the New Year which dawns tomorrow is all about the farmers. The long lines witnessed z Can be tapped z No need to reconvene z Former Govt. VOA outside pawning shops whenever the curfews have been lifted, the protests by villagers demanding government handouts, and long queues to obtain into till end-July Parliament invalid after April relief already provided by the Government are a stark reminder of the ground realities. BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA (EC) doesn’t hold elections, the election,” he said. One way out of the logistical issue is to use trains for the transportation of President will do it in accordance Chapter 17 Section 150 of the rice, fruits, and vegetables as done very effectively in the past. It has been With the Vote on Account with the Constitution,” he Constitution states: estimated that one train load of cargo is equivalent to about 40 to 50 lorries, (VOA) that was passed explained. “(1) Save as otherwise depending on the type of cargo. If 100 lorries transport produce from the during the latter part of Meanwhile, former Central expressly provided in paragraphs main economic centres to the city on a daily basis, this same job can be 2019 expiring at the end of Bank Deputy Governor and senior (3) and (4) of this Article, no done using just two or three cargo trains, at a fraction of the cost while also this month, it appears the economist Dr. W.A. Wijewardena sum shall be withdrawn from the easing traffic on the roads and enjoying greater savings in fuel consumption. President is constitutionally said that the matter of how long Consolidated Fund except under At a time when the rupee is rapidly dropping against the dollar, every empowered to continue the President could go on debiting the authority of a warrant under attempt should be made to curtail expenditure on imports, especially fuel the Consolidated Fund was now a the hand of the minister in charge drawing from the which constitutes the biggest import bill for the Government. Consolidated Fund due to legal problem. of the subject of finance. Therefore, since all the required infrastructure is already available such as The VOA will cease to apply “We have a legal issue here (2) No such warrant shall rolling stock and warehouses for storage, the question being asked is why the extreme circumstances from the end of this month, but because during the time of an be issued unless the sum has are these resources not being used? of Covid-19 until the the President can go on using election, the President has the by resolution of Parliament or In fact, our rail system was originally constructed for the purpose of hauling parliamentary election is the Consolidated Fund like this power to use the money from by any law been granted for tea from the up-country estates to the port, and later expanded to cover other held. for three months from 30 April the Consolidated Fund. This is a specified public services for the agricultural hubs in the north, east, and central regions of the country. The Co-Cabinet Spokesman time of election. There is no time financial year during which the Dr. Bandula Gunawardana shift to passenger transportation was therefore essentially an afterthought. A VOA presented by the former mark on that – whether it’s two withdrawal is to take place or is It is the introduction of the open economy in 1977 and the ensuing flood of United National Party (UNP)- months or three months. So, until otherwise lawfully charged on the motor vehicle imports that resulted in politicians and businessmen getting led Government, worth Rs. the Consolidated Fund. the election is over, he (President) Consolidated Fund. involved in the goods and passenger transportation business, leading to the 1,474 billion for both capital and “The VOA will cease to apply is in a position to spend money. slow death of cargo transportation by rail. recurrent expenditure for the first from the end of this month, but People will have to go before The Government, which is now preparing for a general election come hell four months of 2020, was passed the President can go on using the courts and get a clarification and or high water in the originally intended time frame, would do well to not by Parliament on 23 October last Consolidated Fund like this for ruling on that,” he said. only win the battle against Covid-19 but also the war on Covid-19 before year. three months from 30 April,” he Noting that under normal going to the people. As things are, there are many battles yet to be fought A total of Rs. 757 billion was said. circumstances, the Minister of on account of the virus, some of which are only beginning and even though set aside for the maintenance When asked how much was Finance would have to seek the battle against the virus itself may be nearing its end, the war caused by of public services in addition to actually in the Consolidated Parliament permission to use its effect on ordinary life is far from over. Rs. 711 billion being allocated Fund, the Minister revealed that the Consolidated Fund, Dr. Equitable distribution of relief irrespective of party affiliation is likely for expenditure already fixed by there wasn’t anything saved in Wijewardena said that special to be a thorn in the side of the Government due to the polarisation of local various acts and Rs. 1 billion for the fund. “The Consolidated Fund provisions allowed the President politics notwithstanding the all-party co-operation at national level. It is no the presidential election. doesn’t have a cent. Finances are to utilise it without the approval secret that it is an altogether different story at the grassroots level where the The Government is currently credited to it through Treasury of Parliament. We have a critical problem in Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) rules the roost and battlelines have running on fumes as the VOA’s bills and other state income “In terms of the Constitution, to the country and it’s a chaotic already been drawn. validity expires on 30 April sources. There aren’t even 10 debit the Consolidated Fund, the situation. Courts will take that Other battles that need to be overcome include ensuring daily wage earners 2020. As a result, it would fall on cents saved in the fund,” the Minister of Finance will have to fact into consideration. Courts have access to relief, ensuring farmers have food on the table and consumers the President to draw from the Minister said. issue a permit called the ‘warrant’ cannot just go by law – they are provided their daily staples at reasonable prices, finding alternate jobs Consolidated Fund in order for When queried as to whether and that has to be approved by will have to decide it on the for those directly affected by the current crisis such as those employed in the Government to cover state there was a worry that the Parliament. That is the legal basis of what is best for the tourism and hospitality, bridging the trade deficit caused by the drying up of expenditure. coronavirus pandemic would provision. But there is a special people of the country export income, repaying the already heavy debt burden which has increased Co-Cabinet Spokesman and delay elections further, the provision; when there is an Former Central Bank Deputy overnight by over 10% in rupee terms due to its devaluation against the Minister of Higher Education, Minister was adamant that the election and if there is no Budget Governor and senior economist Dr. W.A. Wijewardena dollar, and creating employment for thousands in the apparel sector who Technology, and Innovation election would be held in the and there is no VOA, then the may lose their jobs, are just some of those battles that need to be focused Dr. Bandula Gunawardana told coming months. President can spend that money. on if the war on Covid-19 is to be won. The Sunday Morning that the “No, elections will have to be This is an election time, so that is (3) Where the President According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum, the quarter ending June President could continue to utilise held. If the Election Commission why he doesn’t want to cancel the dissolves Parliament before will see a $ 1.5 billion cut in apparel exports, which amounts to one-fourth the Appropriation Bill for the of the annual export revenue of the sector, while export orders could contract financial year has passed into law, by as much as 30-40% thereafter. The story continues with the tourism sector he may, unless Parliament shall which is all but dead and resurrection of which may not take place until well have already made provision, into 2021 due to the global economy plunging into recession, one much authorise the issue from the greater than the last one in 2008 according to the Economist Intelligence Consolidated Fund and the Unit, which predicts global output to be down by 2.5% this year. expenditure of such sums as he It is inevitable that Sri Lanka’s top five revenue earners will see a radical may consider necessary for the change in the short to medium term with tourism, apparel, and foreign public services until the expiry of remittance earnings, struggling to retain these positions. Given these a period of three months from the exceptional circumstances, the Treasury will have an uphill task in containing date on which the new Parliament the budget deficit to around 10% of GDP – double that of last year. With is summoned to meet. the numbers looking grim and the inevitable rise in inflation, the average (4) Where the President Sri Lankan will be in for some serious belt tightening in order to tide over dissolves Parliament and fixes the financial crisis caused by the global pandemic. a date or dates for a General The Sri Lankan people who have shown their resilience time and time Election the President may, unless again will no doubt rise to the occasion, but the question is whether their Parliament has already made leaders will be equal to the task. This is why a collective effort is called for provision in that behalf, authorise not only to win the many battles ahead but the war created by Covid-19, in the issue from the Consolidated the not too distant future. Fund and the expenditure of such sums as he may, after consultation with the Commissioner of No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. Elections, consider necessary for Fax - 011 2 673 441 such elections.” General - 011 5 200 900 Explaining further, Dr. Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 Wijewardena said the fund itself Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 was a myth and that money was E-mail - [email protected] credited from state revenue. Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 9 Sunday, April 12, 2020 POLLS

responsibility of the Election Commission financial powers after 30 April until the new and His Excellency has no wish to interfere Parliament was convened. with (the) duties and obligations of the However, expressing a different opinion, Election Commission,” the letter had stated. former UNP MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe “I may point out that in terms of Section had stated during discussions held under 24 (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda RECONVENE the time period giving notice of adjourned Rajapaksa that there was no need to poll is not less than 14 days, which implies reconvene Parliament and the President had that (the) poll which was postponed could be powers to do so only under Article 155 of held even on (the) 15th day. the Constitution, which permits the President “I need hardly emphases that it is the right to reconvene Parliament if he wanted to pass of the people of this country to exercise their an emergency regulation such as in the event PARLIAMENT OR franchise, which is their sovereign right of war. (sic). However, he further clarified that since “In the total circumstances set out the necessary legal provisions to control the hereinbefore, I am instructed to inform the health pandemic are already available in the Election Commission that the question of Quarantine (and Prevention of Diseases) reference to the Supreme Court in terms Ordinance, there was no such need. He also PURSUE of Article 129 of the Constitution does not stressed that reconvening Parliament would arise,” the letter has added. cause unnecessary issues. Constitutional provisions Only way out As per Article 70 (5) (c) of the When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Constitution, the date fixed for the first constitutional lawyer Dr. Jayampathy ELECTIONS? meeting of Parliament by a proclamation Wickramaratne stressed that the only way under Subparagraph (a) or Subparagraph out for the Government was to reconvene (b) may be varied by a subsequent the previous Parliament as the Parliament proclamation, provided that the date so fixed is as important as the executive and the by the subsequent proclamation shall be a judiciary. date not later than three months after the “Parliament or the legislature is one of date of the original proclamation. the three pillars upon which the edifice of However, Article 70 (6) states that where democracy of the people rests; therefore, the poll for the election of the President is all three pillars are equally important and to be taken on a date which falls between without all three, a country couldn’t go the date of dissolution of Parliament ahead,” he stressed. and the date before which Parliament is “The previous Parliament could go ahead required by Paragraph (5) of this Article to till 1 September 2020 and therefore, there be summoned to meet, Parliament shall, was no issue in reconvening the existing notwithstanding anything in that paragraph, Parliament in a crisis situation like this,” he be summoned to meet on a date not later stressed. Asked whether there was a lacuna than four months after the date of the in the law, Dr. Wickramaratne noted that dissolution of Parliament. there was no lacuna in the law as it clearly Furthermore, Article 70 (7) reads: “If at permits the President to reconvene the any time after the dissolution of parliament, previous Parliament in such a situation and it PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE the president is satisfied that an emergency was a constitutional requirement. has arisen of such a nature that an earlier z Strong support z Nominations not z EC says z Prez. asks EC to decide meeting of Parliament is necessary, he may Necessity knows no law by proclamation summon the parliament In the meantime, The Sunday Morning for both options to be cancelled lacuna in law dates, no need for SC which has been dissolved to meet on a date also contacted former Chief Justice Sarath not less than three days from the date of N. Silva, who also insisted that there was BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The election, which was scheduled to be Due to the lacuna in the law, the EC such proclamation and such parliament shall no lacuna in the law in this regard and there held on 25 April, was postponed soon after suggested the President seek the SC’s stand dissolved upon the termination of the was no necessity for the President to seek Uncertainty looms over holding the the nominations were over on 19 March due opinion. This was the best way to decide on emergency or the conclusion of the general the opinion of the SC as the law itself has 2020 general election as specified to the pandemic. The Election Commission the situation, Ratnayake explained, pointing election, whichever is earlier.” relevant provisions regarding the matter. in the proclamation issued by (EC) sought the President’s advice recently out that even without a law passed by “Basically, the SC has the power to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in on what action should be taken as they have Parliament, the EC could act on the decision interpret the provisions of the Constitution. March, which, as opined by legal highlighted that it was impossible to convene given by the SC, similar to when it was No other court can interpret the Constitution. experts and politicians, may lead to the new Parliament by 1 June, which made compulsory to use the national identity The Constitution empowers the President to a constitutional crisis as the apex law would be three months since the calling of card (NIC) when casting a vote. dissolve Parliament and fix the date for the the election, due to the uncertainty of the However, when asked whether the election and convene the new Parliament. is silent in this regard. ongoing pandemic. nominations would be cancelled if the He can extend the date to convene the new It was unclear how the authorities would The EC suggested the President seek the election was not held within three months Parliament by a further month. There is no resolve the problem of how to hold an opinion of the Supreme Court (SC) in this of the proclamation being issued, Ratnayake question of interpreting the Constitution. election that had been scheduled for this regard, as the law is silent on this in both said the nominations would not be cancelled, “Similarly, the Parliamentary Elections month and has been postponed after the the Parliamentary Elections Act and the whatever the circumstances. Act empowers the (Election) Commission Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. Constitution. He also noted that the EC expects that to extend it by two weeks. The President

The growing number of infections and While the EC was waiting for the the Government, together with all the other has one month and the Commission has two strict lockdowns in many parts of the President’s advice, Opposition political political parties, would take a decision That (previous) Parliament is over; weeks. There’s no question of the Supreme country make it impossible to allow people parties urged the Government to reconvene to protect democracy without taking when it is over, the President can’t Court intervening,” he explained. to gather at polling stations. Furthermore, the previous Parliament. However, as at undue advantage of the crisis situation. exercise that power again. And now Highlighting a legal maxim, “necessity health authorities are recommending the Friday (10), the President had not taken any Nonetheless, the Government seems to be at the nominations have been called, but knows no law”, former Chief Justice Silva Government continue the curfew imposed to decision with regard to the election. an impasse over what to do next. the President can extend the date of stressed that according to the basic law control the spread of the infection. convening the next Parliament based principle, “since they (EC) can put off On 2 March, President Rajapaksa issued No cancellation of nominations Letter to the EC on the ‘necessity knows no law’ maxim the election for two weeks – and if that is the Extraordinary Gazette notification When contacted by The Sunday Morning, It is in this backdrop that Secretary to and depending on the necessity not enough – surely they can put it off for to dissolve Parliament, by virtue of the EC Director General Saman Ratnayake said the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, on the Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva another two weeks. Like that, they can go powers vested in him by Article 70 of the there was a lacuna in the law on what actions directives of President Rajapaksa, had sent a ahead. The necessity should be decided by Constitution Subparagraph (c) of Paragraph the EC should take in a crisis situation such letter to the EC last Monday (6). However, different legal experts had those carrying out the laws” (2) of Article 33 of the Constitution and in as the current pandemic, which was a whole The letter, addressed to EC Chairman different opinions with regard to the current “That (previous) Parliament is over; when pursuance of the Provisions of Section 10 new phenomenon to the entire world. Mahinda Deshapriya, noted that the date situation. it is over, the President can’t exercise that of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of “This is the first time the country is facing for fixing the poll is the responsibility of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. power again. And now the nominations have 1981. such an issue; even during the 1989 uprising, EC and therefore the question of reference Sumanthiran, on his Twitter feed, had stated been called, but the President can extend the In his proclamation, he had stated that the the elections were held somehow. Elections to the SC in terms of Article 129 of the that President Rajapaksa should rescind date of convening the next Parliament based new Parliament would meet on 14 May 2020 are held to protect democracy and at a time Constitution does not arise. the proclamation dated 2 March 2020 on the ‘necessity knows no law’ maxim and that the election to elect new members to when the political parties couldn’t conduct “As per the advice by His Excellency, it is and re-activate Parliament immediately. and depending on the necessity,” he further Parliament would be held on 25 April 2020. campaigns and people can’t come out of not possible at this point of time to state that Furthermore, United National Party (UNP) explained. “The necessity has to be decided Nominations of candidates were accepted their houses, an election cannot be held,” he the election cannot be held on or before 28 Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had also by those who are on the ground and who from 12 to 19 March as scheduled. stressed. May 2020. The date for fixing the poll is the stressed that the President did not have carry out the laws.” Opposition urges reconvening of Parliament

BY AGRA RANASINGHE 20 March at the end of February, Parliament. At this time, no one we would have contained this much UNP MP DR. ASHU MARASINGHE should be taking political decisions Two former Opposition MPs M.A. Sumanthiran of the Tamil earlier with much less people infected. because this problem affects us all. National Alliance (TNA) and Dr. Ashu Marasinghe of the But it was not done because the Should Parliament be reconvened person should be given credit. The economy is in a major crisis United National Party (UNP) were asked by The Sunday President’s and the Government’s or should the President have full The public seems to be satisfied at the moment. How would this Morning whether Parliament should be reconvened or only aim was to somehow get the control to take further decisions? with the military service. Do you be different if Parliament was whether a general election should be pursued. Both majority in the Parliament – in order In my opinion, after 30 April, the think the military would have reconvened? parliamentarians were adamant that Parliament should to satisfy their narrow political agenda term of Parliament is over. Then been allowed to be so involved if In a democratic country, a be reconvened given the current Covid-19 crisis and also with the nomination process. according to the Constitution, serious Parliament was active? parliament should take the decisions. commented on the impracticality of holding elections. It was only the day after nominations issues may crop up. I believe that I think the military would be A decision that was taken by the that the President imposed a Parliament should be reconvened supported more if Parliament was Cabinet becomes a law by being The following are excerpts of the interviews: countrywide curfew which is still and the necessary decisions should to be reconvened. accepted by Parliament. Bigger ongoing. We unnecessarily be taken in a crisis like this, as it Do you think the President problems will arise TNA MP M.A. SUMANTHIRAN exposed the country to all is the law. would have made quicker going forward. Should Parliament be reconvened it was a wrong decision. that danger because proper There is a perception among some decisions which are Therefore, or should the President have full Even thereafter, the action was not taken on members of the general public that required in a crisis Parliament should control to take further decisions? nomination period started on time. As soon as the the President is managing this crisis if Parliament was be reconvened On 2 March, when the President 12 March and from 11 to 19 Election Commission got situation well by himself, without reconvened? to face this dissolved Parliament, he had full March, it was a great risk we all the power into its hands on the Parliament. Do you agree? I don’t think any one problem. knowledge that no election can undertook during this nomination the 19th, they put off the The Government is functioning of the 225 members of be held in the month of April. By period, and it was grave election. The Government great at a time like this and there’s Parliament would oppose the February, we all knew the extent danger that the was not willing to do nothing wrong with that. But here, all public’s safety and seek any of this problem. He even cancelled country was put it, and before the the parties are supporting it. All 225 political benefit. his trip to China. He shouldn’t have in. That was nominations closed, members of Parliament are giving Such people dissolved Parliament and called for the time this we called for a their support to the Government. It is are not elections in April. The fact that we are actually got postponement of with this support that we have come needed in a democracy can be seen by the fact out of hand. the election. to such a good state. The people that we have a parliament. If we had If we had Contd. on should be given respect for obeying only the executive and judiciary, we done what page 14 the rules. I don’t think only one will not be a democracy. Therefore, we did on 10 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, April 12, 2020

RELIEF MEASURES Are banks showing support? zWorking capital loan needed immediately, not in May zBanks say they are in compliance and supportive

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA are facing right now. Only in non- curfew areas are the branches open. Despite the Government We will see what can be done. They have not been listed as an passing a number of We haven’t got any complaints. essential service, so they’re finding regulations and imposing We have instructed banks to it to be a problem to open branches restrictions on the financial start processing requests as in curfew-imposed areas,” the sector, complaints have been soon as possible because it is senior official said. received that the banks were working capital and it needs to He went on to say that NBFIs are not complying with some of be given as soon as possible thus far complying with CBSL’s these regulations, such as CBSL Bank Supervision regulations. “All regulations the Government providing working capital Department Additional Director Rukshana De Silva Jayatillake has issued are being complied loans in a timely manner. with by the financial institutions. When The Sunday Morning We have not received any reports inquired, Central Bank of (i) Upon a communication by a of noncompliance. The only issue Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor borrower requesting concessions is that they cannot function in Prof. W.D. Lakshman said that under this scheme on or before curfew-imposed areas.” regulations are being followed “to 3 April 2020, the financial Local banks adhere a large extent”. institutions shall offer a debt Meanwhile, Sampath Bank PLC “They (banks) are following the moratorium for the period asserted that it has begun following regulations to a large extent and as given below in respect of the regulations. “We have initiated our Bank Supervision Department all eligible rupee and foreign the regulations and published is going after them, but there are a currency term loans. for the customers three modes few problems,” he stated. (a) A six-month debt moratorium of responding to their respective On 27 March, the CBSL issued on the leasing rentals of all three- branches. We have given an email Circular No. 5 of 2020 titled wheelers, school vans, lorries, address plus a number which “Rupees 50 Billion, Six-Month small goods transport vehicles, can be reached through Viber Re-Financing Facility to Support and buses and related assets for all other eligible businesses/ facilities will be capped at 13% We have instructed banks to start and WhatsApp as well, just for Covid-19 Hit Businesses including such as motorbikes and taxies sectors specified under 2 (i) during the extended period. processing requests as soon as customers to make a request. Self-Employment and Individuals” operated by the self-employed/ above. (iv) Eligible trade finance facilities possible because it is working “Based on the request, the bank stipulating a number of regulations owners. (ii) Financial institutions shall falling due for settlement or capital and it needs to be given as will look into the facilities that are to be adhered to by financial (b) A debt moratorium until 30 extend the existing tenure maturing or were under review soon as possible.” already there and act according institutions (banking and non- May 2020 on personal loans of loans eligible for debt during the period up to 25 March She went on to say that the banks to the guidelines that are given banking) as a measure to provide granted to all private sector non- moratorium by the respective 2020 shall be extended up to 30 are taking measures to follow by the Central Bank,” Sampath relief, including concessions for executive employees. moratorium period. September 2020. other instructions by the CBSL. Bank Senior Deputy General loans. (c) A three-month debt moratorium (iii) Permanent overdraft facilities (v) Pawning facilities falling Accordingly, the banks have taken Manager – Consumer Banking Among these concessions are for all personal loans and leasing falling due for settlement or due for settlement or maturing all the necessary steps to comply Tharaka Ranwala told The Sunday a debt moratorium (capital and where the granted amount is less maturing or are reviewed during during the period up to 25 March throughout their branches and the Morning. interest) and a working capital loan than Rs. 1 million. the period up to 25 March 2020 2020 shall be extended up to 30 CBSL has been in contact with the When queried as to whether at the interest rate of 4% p.a. for (d) A six-month debt moratorium shall be extended up to 30 September 2020. banks. It is observed that things are the bank was supportive of the eligible customers. The circular for affected industries in small September 2020. However, in falling into place, she said. regulations, Ranwala responded stated the following under the third and medium enterprises, the case of temporary overdraft Immediate need not in the affirmative and said that it section. tourism, apparel, plantation, facilities as at 25 March 2020, satisfied was in fact something small and Concessions for Existing IT, and related logistic service the expiry shall be extended However, Sri Lanka Trade medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Performing Loans as at 25 March providers. by two months for eligible Development Council (SLTDC) There is an issue with the needed. 2020 (e) A six-month debt moratorium borrowers. Interest rate on such Chairman Roshana Waduge disbursement of working “If you really look at it, even charged that while banks were capital loans that are to be when the Easter Sunday attacks accepting requests for working given at a concessionary happened, there was a moratorium capital loans, the processing and rate. The banks are calling issued by the Government and determination of eligibility for the for requests for such loans, all banks actually complied with loans would be delayed till May. but have said that they can it. This also we see as something “There is an issue with the evaluate and confirm eligibility similar and given the current crisis, disbursement of working capital for the loan only sometime in which I don’t think anybody in loans that are to be given at a May. This defeats the purpose the world has planned for, this is concessionary rate. The banks SLTDC Chairman something that is needed for all are calling for requests for such SMEs, especially the companies Roshana Waduge loans, but have said that they can that are part and parcel of the evaluate and confirm eligibility development of the country. for the loan only sometime in She further said that the banks Giving the moratorium, (on) both May. This defeats the purpose of are in the process of upgrading capital and interest for the three the Government instructing banks their systems and taking other months that has been stipulated is to give loans to support Covid-19- steps to facilitate the concessions something that needed to be done hit businesses. Money is needed to consumers. in a timely manner,” he said. immediately. By May, it would be “They (banks) have been Going one step further, he said too late,” he said. instructed and we are closely that Sampath Bank was even ready According to Waduge, the following up throughout their to help their clientele overcome issue is prevalent in both state branch networks. System this tough period with financial and and private commercial banks. modifications have to be done to business advice. He said that they had written to cater to and facilitate concessions “Banks are ready to support the the President and Prime Minister – those are being done. And we businesses by providing advice as highlighting this issue and also believe that soon, everything will well. There may be matters that requesting that the relief package fall into place,” she reiterated, even those companies would not be available to the entire business adding that in most cases, they be fully geared for, so we are more community and not limited to have and are following regulations than willing to help them out using only a few sectors. and that “no one has objected”. the expertise we have in different “We have written a letter However, she said that one sectors,” he added. regarding this to the President issue facing the banking sector In addition, senior sources at and Prime Minister. We also is the imposition of curfew, as it National Development Bank pointed out that the moratorium has resulted in fewer bank staff PLC (NDB) said that they too are on loan repayments and other members tending to their duties. implementing the regulations of relief measures provided by the “With the curfew, there is a the CBSL. Government should be given to limited number of staff reporting the entire business community (to work). But we are in close and not just a select few sectors. contact with the banks to ensure This pandemic has affected things will fall into place Given the current crisis, which everybody, from the small tea throughout the network. We have I don’t think anybody in the shop owner all the way up to big asked banks to remain open on world has planned for, this is conglomerates.” days that the government sector something that is needed for all However, CBSL Bank credits salaries so that it (salaries) SMEs, especially the companies Supervision Department can be facilitated to government that are part and parcel of the Additional Director Rukshana De sector workers,” Jayatillake said. development of the country Silva Jayatillake told The Sunday She also said the regulations Sampath Bank Senior Deputy Morning that they were unaware laid out by the CBSL seek to General Manager – Consumer of any shortcomings of the banks benefit both individuals as well Banking Tharaka Ranwala in providing these relief measures. as companies. “Yes, it is catering “What I understand is that the to the individuals as well as requests are coming to the banks the corporates who will find it “The regulations are being and the banks are evaluating difficult and who are directly followed strictly. We have to them. Depending on the urgency affected.” comply with the Central Bank’s and how fast they could deliver, NBFIs’ non-essential status regulations.” the banks will disperse. In fact, problematic Senior sources went on to we understand that the banks With regard to the non-banking say that banks that have close are considering giving loans not financial institutions (NBFIs), the relationships with their clients only under the Government’s CBSL said such entities not being would find it easier to work and refinancing facility, but under categorised as an essential service resolve any issues which arise from their own loans schemes as well,” has caused problems. the current crisis. she said. A senior official in CBSL’s “If you have a strong portfolio When asked specifically Department of Supervision of where you know the client well, whether disbursing in May Non-Bank Financial Institutions then you can work with the client doesn’t defeat the purpose of the said that due to the curfew, many and overcome any hurdles.” loans, to which she said that she branches of financial institutions NDB sources also stated that would look into the matter to remain closed. now was the time for businesses address the issue. “Financial institutions, unlike and entrepreneurs to look to “We will see what can be done. banks, have not been able to open a future post-Covid-19 and We haven’t got any complaints. all branches. That is the issue they strategise. the sunday morning 117 Sunday, April 12, 2020 ECONOMY

BY SARAH HANNAN “Therefore, once Sri Lanka transitions to a manufacturing With the Covid-19 pandemic economy from an import economy, virtually shutting down the next stage would be to branch all economic activity in Sri out to an export economy; the Lanka and pushing the Making ‘Made in demand for goods in Sri Lanka rupee further down to is very limited, which gives the record lows, the Government opportunity to export the excess has resorted to restrictions production to overseas countries. on imports to save foreign Furthermore, Sri Lanka should exchange. At a time like look at exporting goods to the African market as the trade routes this, it is imperative that the Sri Lanka’ a reality easily lead to West Africa through local industries are given the Hambantota Harbour,” Waduge the necessary concessions z Opportunity for local businesses in current crisis explained. so that they could start He also stated that at present, manufacturing most China is supplying 50% of the products that are currently goods to Africa and Sri Lanka being imported from other could easily tap into that market countries. share as the number of days it takes to ship goods from China Transforming from an is cut short if the products are import-based economy to a manufactured and exported from manufacturing-based economy Sri Lanka. A shipment from China would not take place overnight, would take about 45 days to reach and there would be several West Africa, whereas a shipment challenges that local from Sri Lanka would only take entrepreneurs might have to nine days to reach West Africa. face in the transition. At the Noting how optimistic same time, these entrepreneurs Waduge sounded when will need immense support referring to establishing a from the Government of Sri manufacturing economy in Sri Lanka in order to commence Lanka, we asked how long it manufacturing these products. would take for Sri Lanka to The Sunday Morning last transition from an import-based week discussed with Sri Lanka economy to a manufacture- Trade Development Council based economy and finally (SLTDC) Chairman Roshana to an export-based economy. Waduge the challenges local Moreover, we also asked him entrepreneurs would face in this how Sri Lankan manufacturers attempt and how SLTDC, which could produce goods on par with represents the interests of small, international standards. medium, and larger-scale local “Since we already have the basic enterprises in Sri Lanka hailing infrastructure, it can be easily from various business sectors, established within a period of envisions overcoming such six months to one year. In order challenges. to ensure our products match international quality standards, all and trade would Government could goods that are manufactured in Sri be given various provide tax concessions,” Lanka will have to follow a quality In order to ensure our products concessions, during his he said in response. guideline similar to that of Bureau match international quality address to the nation, not He further stated that the Veritas or Sri Lanka Standards standards, all goods that are all sectors were covered Government should look at Institute (SLSI), which is why a manufactured in Sri Lanka by the relief that was prioritising the sale of goods that government mechanism should be will have to follow a quality listed. A moratorium are manufactured locally over in place,” Waduge replied. guideline similar to that of for a six-month period the goods that are imported and Bureau Veritas or Sri Lanka was declared along released to the market. If such a Standards Institute with withholding mechanism is in place, Waduge instalment collections believes that Sri Lankan traders Say the companies decide to for vehicle leasing would look at promoting the lay off people from work. The “The economy of Sri Lanka and loan instalments locally manufactured goods burden will surely circle back to started to deteriorate after 2015 for a selected few over the imported goods. our Government as there will and the worst affected were the business sectors. “Opportunities will be be a reduction in the workforce. local entrepreneurs. Last year, our Not only have the notably opened up in the rubber Therefore, it is crucial that the council made a special request big businesses been industry, especially the tyre promised working capital is to all presidential candidates impacted, but also the manufacturing facilities. We have released for all businesses of including President Gotabaya small businesses such all the necessary raw materials in concern Rajapaksa noting that once they are as the village tea stand. Sri Lanka to manufacture tyres and elected to office, it was important Therefore, Waduge pointed we can easily set up manufacturing to safeguard the local traders and out that if the Government is to facilities to cater to the country’s While all these will not take entrepreneurs in order to safeguard provide benefits to big businesses, tyre needs. Over the past week, we place in a span of few weeks, the economic stability of Sri they should consider giving these also saw how ICU (Intensive Care we asked Waduge how the Lanka,” Waduge explained. benefits and reliefs to the entire Unit) beds were made using raw manufacturers could adapt to The suggestion to empower business community. materials sourced from within the the transition, as Sri Lanka will local traders and entrepreneurs country,” he explained. not have a high demand for was presented to the President pay salaries in the local manufacturers and Waduge is optimistic that if we the products that are locally even before he was elected; upon coming months. businesses, the community should are willing to explore options to manufactured. his election, he had taken these “Say the companies decide to look at ways to manufacture goods source raw materials for most of “Our manufacturers will have suggestions into consideration lay off people from work. The that are currently being imported; the industries within the country, to start small by first producing and issued a moratorium for local burden will surely circle back Covid-19 has actually opened up we should be able to succeed. He sufficient goods to cater to the businesses in the form of relief to our Government as there will opportunities to innovators in Sri also noted that when the country’s local demand. In the meantime, loan packages. be a reduction in the workforce. Lanka to redesign most of these economy grows, the businesses the Government could arrange Even though a moratorium was Therefore, it is crucial that the goods using local material. too can thrive pointing out that the agreements with new trade introduced, the President, Prime promised working capital is “While we as businesses think highest expenditure of the country territories. Once that is in place, Minister, and the new Government released for all businesses of about growing our businesses, we is allocated to import vehicles. the manufacturers can increase had to face practical issues with concern. The President’s directives also have to look at avenues to “If our highest expenditure their production capacities to cater regard to safeguarding local are set in motion very slowly by strengthen the country’s economy. is to import vehicles, I suggest to the global demand. Therefore, entrepreneurs whilst stabilising the the respective authorities. The We should be a strength to the the Government takes a look at the transition will take place in economy of the country. authorities need to understand that country instead of being a burden a system to export old vehicles three stages: (i) Establish local According to Waduge, while this is an emergency situation and to it,” he said. to other countries. We have the manufacturing facilities, (ii) the President issued necessary by delaying the salary payments advantage of the Hambantota produce for the local demand, and directives to implement the for companies, employees might Harbour; today, India tranships (iii) increase production for the moratorium, the relevant officials create bigger issues,” Waduge its motor vehicles through this global demand,” he elaborated. were facing issues in putting these reiterated. The Covid-19 threat has harbour to the West African directives into action. When they For now, many companies countries. So, if Sri Lanka Research and development SLTDC Chairman Roshana Waduge actually presented an discussed the proposed moratorium have resorted to sending in the opportunity to us all. If we are one day establishes a vehicle Currently, when establishing for businesses with the respective Working capital required information to the to manufacture something in manufacturing facility, it should businesses and building banking institutions, the agreement banking institutions so that they Sri Lanka, most of the raw be easily able to export vehicles to manufacturing facilities, one had been drawn up more in favour “Meanwhile, the President also could process the necessary materials must be brought West African countries.” must obtain approvals and of the banks. informed that he will be providing requests to obtain the allocated down from other countries. We The export vision clearance certificates from “In this backdrop, the businesses working capital for businesses working capital. With the Covid-19 can look at means to produce various government institutions. were never afforded any benefits with an interest rate of 4%. While pandemic, many of the businesses the necessary raw materials in For the moment, Waduge Waduge suggested that it would through the relief loan packages the directive is very timely and too have been shut down, making Sri Lanka suggested that second-hand be convenient if the process of made available to them. While could help businesses immensely, many businessmen rethink their vehicles or imported vehicles obtaining approvals and clearance these relief loan packages were the banking institutions have now working methods. that are in excess should be certificates could be streamlined being rolled out, Sri Lanka also instructed that businesses should It is no secret that the imports We asked Waduge as to what reconditioned and sent to these and issued through one single had to take stringent measures to forward their requests to the have been completely halted after opportunities have opened countries through the Hambantota institution. prevent the spread of Covid-19. relevant banks before 30 April, the Government closed down up to local entrepreneurs and Harbour, adding that Sri Lanka Although the President We cannot therefore pin the blame which means the businesses will airports and seaports. Not many manufactures due to the closing already has the infrastructure to announced that local on Covid-19 for the destabilising receive the working capital only of us have been motivated to down of trade routes and means of pursue it. Vehicles are considered businesses and trade would of Sri Lanka’s economy as it was after about two months – after they manufacture goods in Sri Lanka import, as well as what support the as somewhat an essential item. be given various concessions, already on a downward spiral since evaluate the request that is put as importing and selling goods businesses are expecting from the With this system in place, the during his address to the 2015,” Waduge elaborated. forth,” Waduge noted. were a better option and there is Government in this regard. monies spent on imports can be nation, not all sectors were Although the President Many businesses, even after no government mechanism that “The Covid-19 threat has earned back by re-exports. covered by the relief that was announced that local businesses having to shut down their empowers local manufacturers actually presented an opportunity In addition to that, Sri Lanka can listed operations mid-month, had and entrepreneurs. But with the to us all. If we are to manufacture manufacture all the agricultural Sri Lankans have the managed to pay the full salaries present situation, the Government something in Sri Lanka, most of machinery and tools locally. In He further said that Sri Lankans necessary skillsets and the of their employees for March. is looking at implementing a the raw materials must be brought the early years, Sri Lanka had its have the necessary skillsets and mindsets to innovate, but However, they will not be able mechanism to support local down from other countries. We very own tractor corporation which the mindsets to innovate, but most often are put off by the to keep paying full salaries for manufacturers. can look at means to produce produced mamoties and ploughs, most often are put off by the inconvenience of having to employees going forward. Even the necessary raw materials but with its closing down, the inconvenience of having to obtain obtain multiple approvals with the Government issuing Empowering in Sri Lanka, but it might not country had to resort to importing multiple approvals and clearance and clearance certificates directives to immediately provide manufacturers have enough demand from all these tools. Once these industries certificates prior to establishing the prior to establishing the businesses with a working capital, Waduge reiterated that while industries. Therefore, when we are re-established, Sri Lanka will manufacturing facility to produce manufacturing facility to businesses that have more than 50 the Government devises a are importing raw materials for be able to save a lot of money goods. produce goods employees could not continue to suitable mechanism to support local manufacturing facilities, the allocated on imports. Contd. on page 14 12 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, April 12, 2020 An abnormality A lack of human Distance learning Stuck in our ways Seth Weerasekara – in the system interaction most effective student of Adventist Anonymous – teacher Camryn S. Kingsley – student at Vinduli Minara – student at Lyceum International School, Nugegoda International School My belief is that the introduction of this Asian International School The curfew concept of distance learning is too sudden a The curfew has changed a lot of In my opinion, I believe that which was imposed change for the children. We have not given things for us students. Regular life schools are trying to implement has changed things them any training with regard to it. This has ended and online learning has distance learning in order to ensure a lot for us students. cannot be the norm to replace one-on-one begun for some of the subjects I take. that students are not deprived of Being pulled out teaching as this leads children to another As far as studies go, I personally find their studies. We have not started from the traditional reality. working from home not particularly distance learning as of yet, however; way of learning, we Teaching does not merely include subject ideal as I miss the scope for interaction schools and tuition classes have been are now exposed matter; it includes value education as well, that classrooms offer and find it quite supportive by sending in worksheets to a completely which cannot be imparted through distance hard to study by myself. However, and assignments through various different learning. While I am not opposed to it, I also online classes do solve this issue to an social media applications. However, I feel that these environment of feel that at this time we have to be sensitive as extent as it really is interesting to learn are not as effective as distance learning because we can learning. Although we – the youth – are well to what is going on in the children’s homes. in a new environment, even though I miss actual human stop studying at any time we want. Invariably, we take versed with social media platforms, e-learning Normally these kids go to school, then interaction. All in all, I'm just trying to make use of the too many breaks. My opinion is that distance learning is is a whole other experience. for tuition, and they see their parents in the resources I have. more productive than doing worksheets on our own. Our studies have taken a severe hit, but only evening. The current situation therefore, is because the older generation in Sri Lanka not normal. So for me, trying to normalise either do not know or are too scared to trust an abnormal situation is fundamentally online learning/teaching. troublesome. I feel that the best thing to do at Our school management has not taken steps this time would be to give the kids a break. to encourage academic staff to use online learning/teaching, whereas some have started adopting the concept of distance learning. These changes will certainly cause a degree of inconvenience. However, everyone – students, teachers, and parents – must embrace this new experience in order for it Preoccupied to have a lasting impact and overcome any Stephy Gomez – teething issues. student at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya Studies Distance learning Struggles of actually keeps us occupied and keeps our thoughts off the at a a parent whole pandemic. Our school Manjula Moraes – parent has been using Microsoft Teams As a mother of to pass on notes four school kids, it and conduct online is a really critical classes. It barely situation that we resembles an standstill? have to face at actual physical classroom, which somewhat present. As a parent, confuses us on how to use it. However, I feel z I am worried about that it has been a fairly interesting experience. Distance learning to the rescue the children’s With regards to its effectiveness, I do feel education. it is effective. Ever since the teachers started Although the working with us, we have been busy. There schools have sent are no more free days. Teachers send us the study packs to assignments and quizzes online over time, each student, it is difficult to make them study. which keeps us occupied. Even though there The biggest hurdle for a parent is to keep their are a lot of positives with regard to distance kids away from the television and mobile learning, there are also a few downsides to phones. Social media too is a big threat to the it. For example, distance learning does not studies of the students. really compare to an actual classroom and it is The situation with the Advanced Level hard to get all the students to participate in the students is terrible, because they have to get sessions due to connectivity issues and time the syllabus covered before sitting for the problems. exam (that is the most critical exam so far in the county). Sri Lanka is somewhat late to upgrade our educational system with digital smart classroom concepts. Of course, we need to educate our school teachers first and thereby Unconventional uplift the education of the children. and helpful Vinaya – student Ever since the Government imposed Weighing the curfew, it has been hard to keep up with studies because self-studying is a tedious process. Procrastination is my enemy, and I pros and cons end up doing less work at home compared to BY DIANDRA ANNE Deshani Buddhi the typical workload at school. The school will start routine online lessons As Covid-19 wreaks havoc on the world, the Sri Lankan Government imposed curfew in an attempt Mallwaarachchi – student in two to three weeks. There have been to curb the situation. Whilst this is seemingly the wisest choice, there are other factors that weigh occasional lessons where teachers discussed in which shows that the curfew, although necessary, has its downsides. One such major downside Since curfew some topics so that students can revise and is the shutting down of universities and schools. Due to this, one would assume that studies have has been imposed not lose track of their studies. come to a standstill. This may be true to a certain extent, but with the rapidly developing technology these days, school Even though online lessons are education has unconventional, they have been helpful so in this day and age, distance learning has been introduced. Through distance learning, students halted. Currently, far. The problems that occur with this method are able to learn while they are at home, as it closes up the geographical distance. However, some children waste of learning are mostly due to connectivity may argue that distance learning has a set of its own problems. To figure out as to how students in their precious time issues and technological mishaps, which schools are currently faring with their studies and to gauge the effectiveness of distance learning, without focusing we cannot avoid. Nevertheless, I hope they we asked a few students, teachers, and parents their take on the whole situation. on their studies continue with online schooling. by watching television, spending time on mobile phones, and sleeping for many hours. Distance learning is a fine Disturbance from external factors Modern problems require solution that could be implemented by the schools during this period. This is a more Dulin De Silva – student at St. Peter’s College appropriate procedure for students to continue modern solutions their studies and it also assists in the children’s The curfew organised would be useful Anoushka Hewage – student exams. implementation has been because then the children I believe that e-learning motivates children giving me a rough time can get in touch with During this period of quarantine, active participation of the student, to go through their lessons daily. E-learning with my studies as it has their friends and teachers we have been engaging in distance which does not work effectively also saves time and promotes active and always been hard for me during this quarantine learning. I’d say that there are with students who tend to slack independent learning. Hence, this method aids to concentrate on my work period. It would be a both pros and cons when it comes off. The method also relies on students in improving themselves. On the flip without the help of the much more convenient to distance learning. We’ve had a lot of self-educating on the side however, I feel it is unfair for the children people around me. It has and fast way to finish off our course material sent to us via student’s part, which might not who are living in rural areas as they lack the been hard to manage since the syllabus. This would WhatsApp and the school learning work equally for everyone since facilities to get involved in distance learning. I all the tuition classes and be important for students management system. An advantage the intellectual levels of students think distance learning is a great idea because schools are closed. I am who will be facing exams of this method is efficiency. It vary. Lessons carried out through our school has started this procedure. Our generally used to listening this year. However, when has enabled us to overcome the video conferencing might help to principal has informed teachers of our school to my teachers’ lectures my family members distance barrier and to carry out our overcome some of these issues. to send work for the students to do. Therefore, since I am not all that engage in their day-to-day educational activities. Overall, I think distance learning is our teachers have taken a tremendous effort studious. chores, I find it difficult However, disadvantages a great example of technology being in order to improve our studies; they send Even though my school to concentrate as it does include the reduction in student- used to overcome modern problems, papers, assignments, and notes frequently. I sends me study packs, not create a suitable teacher interaction and the system and with progress, can help students think that distance learning assists students to having online classes atmosphere for studies. completely depending on the for generations to come. succeed in their studies. the sunday morning 137 Sunday, April 12, 2020 FEATURE/ROUND UP The selfless souls of Sri Lanka BY SHANELLE BANDARA On the frontline Sub Inspector of Police Band Master As Covid-19 continues to wreak Nishantha Premalal, who kindly agreed havoc and a general sense of fear to share the band members’ experience, settles in the hearts of many, the said: “We received high praise for our Sri Lankan Government has swiftly performance. In fact, people went as far as taken action in order to get the to contact us and thank us over the phone situation under control in the form saying that it was wonderful to see the of an indefinite curfew. Police Band performing as they were stuck at home with nothing to do.” Earlier in March, English singer- According to him, people had even songwriter Sam Smith shared snaps on requested for more programmes like this. Instagram of the struggles of being in “We also follow all the relevant quarantine. He shared the varying stages of safety precautions when performing by quarantine meltdown after the onset of self- maintaining our distance, wearing face isolation. masks, etc.,” he informed The Sunday We humans are social creatures. Isolating Morning. oneself from others can take a toll on Performing for the general public one’s mental health, and Sri Lankans are had been an absolute treat, according to no exception to this. Understandably, the Premalal. Since there aren’t many duties mental strain on people as a result of the assigned to them these days, they enjoy curfew and physical distancing is palpable. performing as it keeps them occupied as In light of this, Sri Lanka Police, in a well. “The cheering of the crowd and seeing gesture that brought about a glimmer of them happy made us want to do this sort of positivity, went above and beyond the line thing even more,” he said. of duty to bring some solace to those under lockdown and/or quarantine. The Police Cheering on Band was seen singing to entertain families Sunil Hettiarachchi, a resident of who were under lockdown in Maradana Havelock City who had witnessed the Army recently. Band performing in their area, shared: In appreciation of the dedication and Wickramasinghe also shared his thoughts IP Kapila Dissanayake spoke about his “The majority of us were confined to our efforts of these individuals, we reached with The Sunday Morning. experience as well. He explained that apartments. Of course, we could take walks out to the Police and the Police Band to Our main reason behind having “The tri-forces did this in the spirit of this idea was birthed via the high-ranking in our gardens, but this confinement was understand how they felt when performing started this is to spread awareness of giving people some form of relief as they officers of the Police, and that Deputy taking a toll on us.” for the people in a time of global crisis. the virus. If you just go and merely were contained in their houses, especially Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana “It was a wonderful idea for them to come those in high-rise buildings, due to the co-ordinated the entire process. and perform here, because what I noticed Origin story speak to people, it won’t really grab their interest. Hence, we used the Covid-19 outbreak. The Army Band Through the directives of Senior DIG was that most, if not all, of the residents Criminal Records Division Director musical programmes as a tactic in performed under the guidelines given by C.D. Wickramaratne, DIG Ajith Rohana, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) order to educate the people Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, who is and SSP K.A.J. Kodituwakku, and on the clapping and cheering; they were all so Ruwan Kumara, who assisted in conducting the Head of the National Operation Centre instructions of Band Director SP S.D.S.D. thrilled to see that the Army had taken the these programmes, informed us that on Criminal Records Division Director SSP for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak, Chief Senadhipathi, the bands had been advised time and effort to come and make them 3 April 2020, they began an awareness Ruwan Kumara of Defence Staff, and Commander of the to carry out this task as people were under happy.” He even stated that it truly touched programme with a musical show, with Army.” severe mental strain due to being confined the residents’ hearts and they felt that it was the first place visited being Wellawatte Brig. Wickramasinghe also said that the in one place. a genuine effort to make them happy. On and followed by Maradana, Maligawatte, earlier are densely populated and even if one performances were well received and highly “The proceedings always began with an the other hand, some had worried over the and Dematagoda. Five performances person contracts coronavirus, it can spread praised. When asked as to whether these awareness programme on coronavirus,” health of the officers who were performing were conducted in total. On 4 April, they to many people. In the meantime, people are programmes will be continued, he stated IP Dissanayake indicated. He also shared as they stood out in the scorching sun. Due performed an all-religious blessing dubbed a down and psychologically frustrated while that as it received positive feedback from that they received a lot of positive feedback to this, some of the residents had prepared “sarva-agamika pooja”, which was followed confined to their own houses. Our main the general public, they may be continue from the onlookers and that was what drove a variety of snacks and drinks and sent it by a musical. On the same day, they visited reason behind having started this is to spread – if time permits, of course. He reiterated them to carry out more programmes. down to them. the Kirulapone Edmonton Housing Scheme, awareness of the virus. If you just go and that messages of safety precautions, good On the second day of their programmes, “We were so taken up and touched that Borella Sahaspura Housing Scheme, and merely speak to people, it won’t really grab hygiene, etc. were also conveyed during this they get the religious leaders of all religions these boys and girls sacrificed their time finally the Modara Meth Sanda Sewana. their interest. Hence, we used the musical time. involved as well. At each venue, the and energy on behalf of us; there were no On 5 April, they graced Anderson Flats in programmes as a tactic in order to educate We asked if there was a plan to conduct programmes last about half an hour to an two words, we were ecstatic,” Hettiarachchi Narahenpita, Keselwatta, Sanchi Arachchi the people,” SSP Kumara elaborated. this programme in outstation areas. He hour. While the programme was successful, commented, adding that if the curfew was Watta, and finally the housing schemes in He went on to explain that the bands explained that as of now, there were no such the minor drawbacks were that people did to continue, he would hope to see more of Modara. On 6 April, they first visited the performed in all three languages as well. plans as those areas there do not have many not abide by the rules and would often these programmes. Bambalapitiya Flats, then Kollupitiya Flats, While they hope to continue this for the people confined to one specific location come onto the streets, which had been In this time of crisis, it is always and finally stationed themselves within the people, it is somewhat hard to operate every such as high-rises where people would not immediately dealt with. refreshing to see such heart-warming and police compound at the Police Field Force single day with limited resources, SSP heed the safety precautions. However, if Furthermore, IP Dissanayake explained wholesome acts of kindness. What the Headquarters. Kumara shared. the need arises, he said that they might do it that a lot of expertise as well as equipment Police and tri-forces have done is beyond “The main reason we started this is Director of Media and Military outstation. were needed for the production, such as commendable and should be appreciated because, as you know, the areas I mentioned Spokesperson Brigadier Chandana Western Band Officer-in-Charge (OIC) lights, sounds, singers, media, etc. wholeheartedly by the general public.

Buddhist clergy engaged in cultivation efforts during the Gardens to tend Leading by example Covid-19 lockdown sunny side up by abilis Hard times Former MP Thilanga Former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Sumathipala and wife Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa pictured buying bread from a Choon During the Paan driver in curfew imposed Colombo across the island, many politicians were Feeding photographed getting back to their gardens at the home hungry

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma was pictured at the Colombo Manning Market last week buying vegetables for public distribution Former MP Namal Rajapaksa and wife Limini Back to the field Former JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was recently photographed working in a paddy field during the country-wide lockdown

Minister of Roads and Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma was pictured distributing food to poor Former MP Duminda Highways, Ports and families currently crippled by the island-wide curfew Dissanayake Shipping Johnston Fernando 14 the sunday morning FOCUS/POLLS Sunday, April 12, 2020

Contd. from page 6 and consumers get overly concerned Contd. from page 4 when the price mark is a little more East West than the market price. We asked Dissanayake how LAPMC manages Properties... to offer a fair price to the farmer for Sri Lankan... My understanding is that there Feeding the... their produce and then ensures that Medi Mate is still a dire need for more PCR “Sri Lanka spends between Rs. He also stated that when the pumpkin the consumers too do not have to pay The Sri Lanka Navy has developed a remote- machines at the Medical Research 70-100 billion per year on agriculture, harvest is high in a certain area, other exuberant prices when they have to control smart appliance called “Medi Mate” which Institute, Teaching Hospital and between the two main institutions areas of the country might have a purchase curated fruit or vegetable will help treat and test Covid-19 patients from a safe Karapitiya, and Teaching Hospital – the Department of Agriculture and shortage in pumpkin supply, while packs. distance. Anurudhapura should companies Department of Agrarian Services – the farmer has to sell their crops at “We have a price policy and do not Without requiring the healthcare workers to get in the private sector want to assist there are about 28,000 people. Each a lower rate, but the consumer will go by the market trend, because we too close to the infected person, this smart appliance further in donating machines. divisional secretariat has its very have to purchase it at a higher rate believe that the farmer’s livelihood will help them diagnose ailments, communicate with Testing is an essential part of the own agriculture officer, agriculture as the harvested crops are not being needs to be uplifted. If people compare patients, and dispense medicine and meals to them. fight against Covid-19 as low inspectors, and district officers. Sri distributed properly. our prices with the market price, they The remote-control device also has an automated numbers don’t necessarily mean Lanka has a network of administrative will definitely see a difference. We nozzle which sprays a stream of sanitising liquid to there are fewer cases, it may just people to handle these tasks which is A food balance sheet purchase produce from the farmer the hands of the patient, allowing them to sanitise be attributed to inadequate testing.” actually underutilised. Sri Lanka currently does not have at a higher price. For instance, the their hands before touching any equipment or drugs She also mentioned that most of “I think we have been given a very an updated food balance sheet and the market price for a kilo of watermelon placed on the device. the quotes she received were from good opportunity to utilise the available importance of having such a mechanism at present is about Rs. 8-10 but we This appliance was developed based on the agents of US companies. With the workforce within our government in place is becoming more vital at purchase a kilo of watermelon at Rs. concept of Thushara Kelum Wadasinghe, who is rapid increase of Covid-19 cases institutions, as they could make a a time of crisis. With imports being 35,” he noted. an inventor. The Research and Development Unit in the US, American brands have positive impact at a time like this by halted, the Government will have to Dissanayake further explained also recently developed a disinfection chamber, and restricted sales to other countries, co-ordinating the food distribution look at ways to systematically distribute that they arrive at the buying price similar chambers with added features have been set as priority of supply is to the US. network across the country. Farmers the local produce to all areas across the considering the cost of production plus up at the University Hospital at the General Sir John As a direct result of the reduction are always ready to cultivate; their island. a profit margin that would be paid to Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Kalubowila in machine supply, the price of only issues are how their livelihoods According to Dissanayake, this is the farmer and that LAPMC will not go Teaching Hospital, and Neville Fernando Teaching these machines has increased. are going to be secured,” Dissanayake something he wanted to implement below that buying price. He stated that Hospital. stressed. when he was at the NIPHM, so the this measure is in place to ensure that Due to the gaps in the transportation statistics could be updated constantly the farmers feel a sense of security and and distribution networks, farmers at and would be visible to all who have will know that they are paid a fair price the moment are facing a lot of issues in access to the platform. for their produce and that they have a selling their crops. “LAPMC currently has such a stable cash flow, thus motivating them Contd. from page 8 cannot just go by law – they will have to We asked Dissanayake whether Sri platform in place and the inventories of to continue their field work. decide it on the basis of what is best for the Lanka from time to time experiences the amount of produce that is available LAPMC is at present sourcing people of the country. If the people of the bumper harvests, to which he provided with the farmers can be easily accessed. their vegetables and fruits from country need these payments made by the a surprising answer, stating that Sri Retailers too are able to see how much the Anuradhapura, Hambantota, Prez. gets... Government, then courts will give the ruling Lanka never faces an excess in food of stock is available for them to move. Monaragala, Badulla, and Nuwara in favour of the President,” he noted. production and that the only issue In return, the farmers can see how fast Eliya Districts. “If you look at the government account, When asked his overall views on the that Sri Lanka has is a transport and their produce is moving on the platform While the company has 13,000 the Consolidated Fund is overdrawn – it’s matter, Dr. Wijewardena opined that the distribution issue. as well,” Dissanayake explained. registered farmers in these districts for a debit balance. There is no money in the wellbeing of the citizens must be prioritised “The best example is that when big While LAPMC does not have their the current operation, they are only fund. But whatever income earned by the during a pandemic. onions are harvested in Dambulla, own farms, they have established working with about 1,200 farmers. This Government and also all the fees and charges “No Government can stop its functions the farmers cannot sell their harvest. production units and each unit has is done to maintain the profitability and of government levies will be credited to even under normal circumstances. This Sri Lanka’s average big onion about 50 farmers supplying fruits ensure that the produce that is collected the Consolidated Fund. Customs, Inland is an extraordinary situation. People are requirement is 240,000 metric tonnes and vegetables. These units are then from all these farmers is sold in the Revenue, Excise Department, Government dying. When people are dying, you can’t per year, and Sri Lanka produces assigned to the village-level collection market. Dissanayake informed that Agent, Registrar of Persons, Immigration and just go behind the Constitution and say the about 80,000-100,000 metric tonnes centres. From the collection centres, once the sales increase further, farmers Emigration – all these will be credited to the Constitution doesn’t allow you to spend that and we import the balance. Since Sri the produce is then brought to the area will be requested to supply to LAPMC. Consolidated Fund.” money because the courts will have to make Lanka is not handling its national bulk distribution centre/district distribution Apart from the farmers, LAPMC also Dr. Wijewardena, however, pointed out that ruling. I have a pragmatic solution for management and national distribution centre. It is from these distribution employs agro-engineers, postharvest that if the matter was taken up before the this. is not centralised, the farmers in Sri centres that the fruits and vegetables are specialists, and economists in their top judiciary, then the perilous situation in the “If you look out the window, you see Lanka have to suffer in such instances,” released to the retailers, exporters, and management. Even the field officers country would have to be considered when a people are dying and they need government Dissanayake noted, pointing out that food processors, who finally take the are qualified in the agriculture sector. ruling is made. services, specifically health services. To the daily requirement of big onions in product to the consumer. At the moment, about 150 support staff “If anybody wants to contest that, then provide health services, we have to fund it. Sri Lanka is about 600 metric tonnes members are working at LAPMC to he/she will have to go before courts. But, To fund it, we need money, and that money and the country manages to produce big Maintaining the price ensure that the farmers’ produce gets of course, we have a critical problem in the should come from the Consolidated Fund. onions that are consumed for a period Farmers always struggle with safely delivered to the consumers’ country and it’s a chaotic situation. Courts We can’t just go behind the Constitution and of approximately three to four months. fetching a fair price for their produce, doorsteps. will take that fact into consideration. Courts allow people to die,” he emphasised.

Contd. from page 9 Contd. from page 11 In such a backdrop, all that is needed is to identify the global requirement – be it in component manufacturing Opposition urges... or simply anything. Once the Making ‘Made... requirements are identified and the Now, they are trying to comply with the not doing that because they need everything to necessary opportunities are created, 2 June deadline by putting pressure on the be in their control to benefit their own political When asked whether the Council manufacturing-based economy. local entrepreneurs and businesses Election Commission to somehow hold agenda. There is no governance according to is satisfied with the attention the Maintaining relations could easily commence manufacturing the election before 20 May. In the letter, the law. Parliament has to make laws that are Government of Sri Lanka is giving Transitioning from an import-based according to those requirements. the President very specifically asks the needed in such a situation. We need modern to improving the manufacturing economy to a manufacturing-based Meanwhile, Waduge suggested Commission: “How are you able to say that the laws as even some other countries have passed facilities and whether they expect the economy could have an adverse that Sri Lanka should look at signing election cannot be held before 20 May?” All of new acts due to the coronavirus. The rule must Government to invest more in research impact on the ongoing international trade agreements with the African us know that we can’t hold the election before be the rule of law. and development (R&D), Waduge trade relations Sri Lanka already market as they have a need for 20 May. agreed that manufacturers would not maintains with several countries. innovative products. In comparison to This curfew and lockdown are too much There is a feeling among some members necessarily have a budget to allocate Once the transition takes place, the the European market, the economic and need to be relaxed. People must have of the general public that the President for R&D purposes. country will still have to maintain growth is upscaling in the African livelihoods or they will starve. There must be is managing this crisis situation well by He also pointed out that when the these relationships. When inquired, market. He stated that it is about time a balance between going out and staying at himself, without the Parliament. Do you government mechanism is in place, Waduge said that most of the present the Government of Sri Lanka looked home, because we don’t want people to die of agree? it would be easier to get the local agreements are in favour of the other into such new agreements that would starvation. But holding an election is totally Well, yes. There is that perception and university graduates involved in country that has signed the agreement. create opportunities to establish a an extraneous situation that doesn’t have to I think that is justifiable to some extent. I order to make use of their knowledge “For instance, if we look at the manufacturing-based economy. come into play now. Holding the election to can’t fully agree with it. But Parliament and skillsets in a practical sense. All trade agreement we have with India, get a two-thirds majority is an irresponsible, could have handled it much better as there these stakeholders should be brought Sri Lanka is required to import IT and English dangerous ploy. would be consultation. This is a matter where together through the Government and motorcycles and three-wheelers Many Sri Lankans struggle with the Parliament can be reconvened as there the community must be consulted, and the once an expert team is appointed to manufactured in India. However, knowledge of IT and English. In this are two ways of doing it. The President can Parliament has the supervisory note that the carry out R&D for various sectors, the agreement does not allow Sri regard, we asked Waduge whether revoke his declaration dissolving Parliament President is accountable to the Parliament businesses would be able to easily Lanka to export any motor vehicles this would become a barrier to local insidiously. Then, Parliament can come back under the Constitution. So, whatever the access this team to develop various manufactured locally to India. The entrepreneurs when doing business into operation, and we don’t have to worry President does, he must be accountable and products. agreement only indicates that when Sri internationally. about the election till at least 1 September; answerable to Parliament. In fact, Parliament Further elaborating, Waduge said: Lanka imports motorcycles from India, “The best example we could take that’s the best possible way. questioned the President about the reason why “It is important to have a dedicated we can only charge a 10% duty fee,” is China; being the largest exporter in Secondly, even with the dissolution, he can he did not close the airports. centre for R&D for each sector. If he added. the world, not all of its manufacturers recall Parliament under Article 70 (7) which not, the switch to a manufacturing- While the country would have converse in English. Yet, they have states that during the period of dissolution, if The public seems to be satisfied with the based economy will not sustain and signed the agreement in order managed to conduct their trade at any time after the dissolution of Parliament military service. Do you think the military the business would not be able to to receive loans and funding relations with other countries. You do the President is satisfied that an emergency has would have been allowed to be so involved if continuously improve their products. opportunities from India, if Sri Lanka not have to necessarily be well versed arisen of such a nature that an earlier meeting Parliament was active? Once this is established and a positive continues to sign such agreements, in the English language or have the IT of Parliament is necessary, the President can Well, yes. The military would do well even environment is created, it will also the country would only be bound knowledge, as you could always have recall the Parliament which has been dissolved. if Parliament was functioning. Parliament prevent the brain drain that is currently to conditions dictated by all other an interpreter and IT professional to Now, our position is that Parliament must be doesn’t stop the military from functioning. The taking place. This can also lead to countries. handle the IT department,” Waduge active during this time. There are three pillars Executive must dictate how the military should many of our academics returning However, as Waduge pointed out, said. that the Government has to stand on. It’s like function. to Sri Lanka as there would be job the best trade agreement Sri Lanka If Sri Lanka is to take China as a three-legged stool. They are the executive, opportunities that can open up in the has at present is signed with Japan. an example and work towards using legislature, and judiciary. The Parliament is Do you think the President would have field of R&D.” Although Sri Lanka imports Japanese the available resources to build a necessary part of the government structure. made quick decisions which are required in The best example of a vehicles, most of the components that businesses, Waduge believes that Sri Everybody supported the immediate steps a crisis if Parliament was blocking him? manufacturing-based economy is are used in manufacturing the motor Lanka too could achieve its desired taken by the Executive. There are legal The President must take quick decisions; in China, as the Chinese Government vehicles in Japan are made in Sri economic growth in a manufacturing provisions that are available to impose curfew fact, Parliament would question him on why provides low-interest loans for Lanka. These manufacturing facilities economy. Furthermore, when it comes even without declaring an emergency. They are he did not take quick decisions. Moreover, manufacturers to start their businesses, are established by the Japanese to knowledge in IT, Sri Lanka has Parliament would have been useful to take if they have the necessary knowledge manufacturer due to the affordable enough and more IT professionals, but quicker decisions than what we have already and skillsets. Furthermore, if the labour cost. Yet, the owner of this the only issue is that the country is not done. products are exported and the manufacturing facility is a Japanese making the best use of their knowledge manufacturer effectively contributes national. due to the lack of opportunities. Sri The economy is in a major crisis at the towards the growth of the country’s “Sri Lankans are offered jobs and Lankan software developers have even moment. How would this be different if economy, they are given a further tax are able to earn salaries from such developed systems used by the United Parliament was reconvened? concession on their business tax. facilities, but the profit goes back to Nations (UN), especially for their food If Parliament was reconvened, Waduge also stated that Sri Lanka Japan. Therefore, if we are to switch distribution network. representatives from different areas would be should take this opportunity to to a manufacturing-based economy, Waduge in conclusion reiterated there and the law would act in such a way that re-establish manufacturing facilities in we can still continue trade relations, if that if Sri Lankan businesses tap into the economy would be moving. If Parliament the country and also to bring back the we amend the clauses in a much more the knowledge and skill pool that functioned, this would have been discussed and experts residing in foreign countries favourable manner to Sri Lanka. That is already available in the country, advice on what could have been done to keep to give a head start in restructuring way, we could retain the profits made they could easily flourish in the the economy moving would have been given. Sri Lanka’s economy and creating a through such manufacturing facilities,” international trade arena. conducive environment to establish a he explained. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, April 12, 2020 SPORTS Stockfish doesn’t COVID-19’S TOLL believe in ON INTERNATIONAL SPORT 1995, mainly due to the Kobe fortresses either! earthquake in Japan, and in 2011, owing to civil riots spread across Bahrain that year THE CHESS UEFA Champions CORNER League by Dulan Edirisinghe Following the first set of round-of-16 second leg matches, In chess, a fortress is a drawing technique in the competition was postponed the endgame where the weaker side sets up a indefinitely on 1 April / One of zone of protection that the stronger side cannot the most prestigious tournaments penetrate. If the fortress is impregnable, the in the world and the most weaker side can obtain a draw with passive prestigious club competition in defence. European football / If the UEFA World Champion Magnus Carlsen once (Union of European Football famously said: “I don’t believe in fortresses.” Associations) Champions League Carlsen’s quote is not something to be taken at does not resume, this will be face value; fortresses do exist in chess, but rather the first time a champion is not as an acknowledgment of infinite possibilities crowned in this tournament chess offers even with so little material. After all, Carlsen himself has mastered the art of creating something out of nothing during the Tour de France final phase of the game. Time and again, he has Its 27 June start is most likely demonstrated that such outwardly impenetrable The ongoing Covid-19 to be postponed till 25 July / fortresses can be breached through subtle French Open Olympics, 1944 England Summer World's most prestigious, most positional manoeuvring and some tactical pandemic has troubled Postponed from 24 May to Olympics, and 1944 Italy Winter difficult, and most followed ingenuity – qualities shown by a very unlikely world sports to the 20 Sept. 2020 / One of the four Olympics / Outbreak of World cycling event which began source in a sensational endgame played just magnitude it suffered Grand Slam tennis events since War I and II in 1903 / Cancelled during last week. during the two World 1925 / Cancelled during 1940-45 1915-18 and 1940-46; and the In the absence of major chess events, the Wars. Here is a brief / World War II title of the champion was later interest in computer tournaments has grown presents the white king with an entry point to look-back at how the Formula One (F1) stripped in 1999-2005 / The in recent weeks. The chess.com Computer gain access to the fortress. world's most significant The March start of the 2020 first two cancellations were Championship saw the following “dry” 101.Bc4 Kg6 (101...d5 102.Be2 Kg6 103. sporting events are NBA season postponed until October, due to the two World Wars and endgame appear in a game between two of Ke5) 102.Be2 facing the horror of Postponed (suspended) / the earliest / The highest class of Lance Armstrong was stripped the strongest free-source engines. Black must keep his king on g6 (to protect gruesome cancellations The premier and most paid pro single-seater auto racing which of his seven consecutive titles the h5 pawn and to guard f5) and the pawn on and postponements basketball league in the world / began in 1950, consisting of a he won from 1999-2005 for d6 (to prevent entry from e5). Suspended four times before in series of races named Grand illegal doping 102...Bc8 103.Bf3 Bf5 104.Ke3 Bc8 105. one could probably 1995, 1996, 1998-99, and 2011 Prix / Start of the F1 season was Compiled by The Sunday Kd4 Bg4 106.Be4+ Kf7 experience in / Each time due to financial delayed in 1995 and 2011 / In Morning Sports desk (White wins after both 106... Bf5 107.Bb7 a lifetime. disputes among players and the and 106... Kh6 107. Bd3 Bc8 108. Kd5 Kg7 Key: Event – Whether management 109. Kxd6 Kf7 110. Kc7) cancelled or postponed at present 107.Bd3and finally the a6 pawn falls due / Importance of event / When last to the threat of 107...Bc8 108.Kd5 Ke7 109. cancelled or postponed / Reason Olympics Kc6 d5 110.Kc7. Start of 2020 Japan Summer 107… Ke8 108.Bxa6 and Stockfish managed Wimbledon Olympics postponed from 24 July to convert this position to a win after 131 moves. Cancelled / The oldest 2020 to 23 July 2021 (the first- The watching Grandmasters were in awe. and most prestigious tennis ever postponement of Olympics) Grandmaster Daniel Rensch, one of the faces of tournament of the world, held / World's foremost sports chess.com, would later say: “I spent a day (not in England since 1877 / Last competition since 1896 with kidding) analysing the position only to realise cancelled during 1915-18 and over 200 countries participating I know nothing about chess!” Grandmaster 1940-45 / Outbreak of World / Cancelled four times before: Stockfish-Komodo (2020) Peter Heine Nielsen, one of Magnus Carlsen’s War I and II, respectively 1916 German Summer Olympics, White to play after 98...Bc8-b7 seconds, tweeted: “Amazingly beautiful, 1940 Japan Summer and Winter Bishop endgames rarely produce fireworks of 47.Ng2!! got company!” note. Here, white has a slight advantage due to Nielsen’s 47.Ng2!! occurred in probably the positioning of black’s a6 and h5 pawns. The the only other high-profile game where a white bishop can attack both the weak pawns similar pawn sacrifice was made. It happened at once (with Be2), yet black has everything during the ninth game of the 1984/85 World under control. With hardly any material left on Championship match. about this aspect. If one were to be guided the board, black’s fortress appears watertight. by the actions of certain misguided souls in After all, bad bishops protect good pawns! the coaching fraternity just before the curfew The next move played by Stockfish stunned Tennis coaching came into place in the country, there is not the chess world. much hope in that regard. Nevertheless, here are some relevant suggestions which would probably be useful and coronavirus to coaches and also the parents going forward. Whilst these are certainly not by any means As such, the responsibility of tennis coaches exhaustive suggestions, these could form Dinith and a few suggestions as to how the lessons the basis of discussions in the future for Pathiraja should evolve would be discussed in this practical purposes for the coaching lessons. article. With the prevailing medical advice being as ON COURT Tennis lessons in normal circumstances are it is, coaches should consider the following held in two main forms: individual lessons actions for their group lessons: and group lessons. As discussed before, by 1. Have smaller groups of players for the We have been discussing the effect of its inherent nature, individual lessons are lessons coronavirus on the field of tennis for the last more expensive while group lessons cheaper. 2. Make sure player interactions occur Karpov-Kasparov (1984/85) few weeks. Whilst this column is focused on In the Sri Lankan context, group lessons with the required distances apart After 43...g5 tennis, all sports around the world have been are always much more popular as well as 3. Have one class for a lesser amount of The game continued with 44.Bxf5 Bxf5 affected by the pandemic. In fact, in the more more commonly available than individual time 45.Ne3 Bb1 46.b4 gxh4. developed countries, the sports industry has lessons. Since this discussion does not regard 4. Have more specialised sessions to 99.Bf5!! been badly hit. In Premier League football in the merits of each category of lesson, it is compensate for the lesser amount of The key feature is that white’s pawn on d5 is England, some football clubs have already important to decide as to how these categories time more of a liability than an asset. Yet, it is quite started furloughing workers at an alarming should adapt to suit the present time. 5. Use separate sets of equipment for astonishing that white could afford to sacrifice rate. Most football players have also had to At present, individual lessons would be separate classes a pawn here, especially considering the fact take pay cuts. It is the same in all other sports more attractive to parents who are able to 6. Make sure all equipment used in the that black can afford to sacrifice his bishop for such as cricket, rugby, as well as the fabled afford them since there will be little to no lessons are exposed to sunlight as much the white a-pawn later, leaving white with the NBA (basketball) in the US. interaction with others during these lessons. as possible h-pawn and the “wrong bishop”. Since the last column, things have got But even these lessons will need to follow 7. Evaluate the possibility of the use of 99...Bxd5 100.Bd3 Bb7 worse globally; the effect on the global the current social/physical distancing rules gloves for the necessary safety during sports industry looks quite bleak. In this advocated by the health authorities and the lessons background, the sport of tennis is also hit Government. Since these have been widely 8. Encourage players as well as parents hard. The French Open has been rescheduled publicised and discussed, there is no intention to have only the most necessary and Wimbledon has been cancelled without of discussing them in depth in this space. interactions a future date so far for this year. All other But a word of caution must be mentioned 9. Wash, wash, wash tennis tournaments also have been cancelled here: Since this is a new virus, even the 10. Educate and be vigilant and the tennis courts have been locked up in scientists are still learning about it. Therefore, As mentioned earlier, these are most parks around the world so that even the all coaches and parents should be aware of precautions which can be suggested within Karpov-Kasparov (1984/85) general public cannot use them for recreation. the latest guidelines which are being updated the existing medical requirements for After 46...gxh4 Whilst there are no conclusive medical by the relevant authorities. It cannot be and coronavirus. But if any other methods are Instead of the automatic recapture 47.gxh4, studies regarding the spread of this virus should not be treated as “business as usual”. suggested by the experts, they need to be Karpov astonished everyone with 47.Ng2, through sports equipment, it is increasingly However, what of the parents and the considered most seriously by all coaches sacrificing a pawn to gain an entry point for likely that with the ease with which this virus players who cannot afford the rather going forward. his king. He went on to win the game after is mutating and spreading, it will only be a exorbitant fees charged in Sri Lanka for The points mentioned above need to be 70 moves. matter of time before this aspect of it is also individual lessons? How can group lessons clarified and discussed in more detail as to Karpov’s win gave him his fourth win without discovered. This sounds the death knell for adapt to suit the current situation at least how they can be adjusted to the Sri Lankan a reply in just nine games, with many predicting sports activities as they are being conducted for a certain period of time? These are the conditions, since any and every action taken After 100...Bb7 that this “first to six wins, wins” match will be at present. Therefore, it is important that all questions that should occupy the minds of the should be determined by taking into account After a couple of moves, the bishops are back the shortest World Championship in history. coaches of all sports come out with strategies majority of Sri Lankan tennis coaches while the safety as well as the sustainability of at their posts, except that white’s d5 pawn is no It turned out to be the exact opposite, but that to counter this effect and work out a way they are at home during this time. But one both the player and the coach. This will be more. Amazingly, that vacant d5 square now is a story for another day. where they can move forward. wonders whether they are being thoughtful the topic of discussion in the next column. the sunday morning sports Sunday, April 12, 2020 He should be more A retro rain Be careful As there is live action nowhere in the ambitious sporting world, media – the web-based with MS Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang needs to "secure a media – is filled with retro action. Sports fans Former England Captain Nasser Hussain contract with a more ambitious club", says the President the world over now have the opportunity to said that those doubting MS Dhoni of the Gabonese Football Federation. His contract is set to relive their great past memories – videos and should be careful because once he is expire at the end of the 2020-21 season. reports of great encounters of the past. gone, there is no getting him back. Tour cancellation could cost Lanka Corona infects their bonuses The Maitland Place headquarters of the pop sport is again under the spotlight. This time for very sad reasons of course. The HQ battalion is to go without their lucrative New Year bonus this year. “The whole world is suffering and so are we,” one of the minors was heard saying while walking amid curfew hours in Colombo. "Go to hell, corona," the other replied. Ah ha! Interim! So soon? The coronavirus will go soon and then comes the Battle of Diyawanna… hopefully. After the Diyawanna Championship will be the drama of all dramas. The old boy named Interim will most likely come into the fray sooner rather than later. “Will the so-powerful Pala gang who now holds the sway be shown the door?” the keen z$ Bilateral home15 cricket series amid Covid-19m! situation followers of the pop sport inquire ever so gleefully! BY REVATHA S. SILVA Old paper man to be in hot seat The two high-profile cricket If this old boy Interim takes over the Maitland Place HQ once tours in Sri Lanka by South again, its former paper man, from the pop family of the pop sport, Africa and India, slated will take charge once again, many assume. It will anyway be a originally for June 2020, were “New World” order and a start of a new era for the pop sport, they on the brink of complete speculate. Which bro of the “New World” establishment will join cancellation, triggering this erstwhile paper man to run the show is a tricky question though. huge financial losses to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), highly placed sources revealed to The Sunday Morning Sports yesterday (11). The losses, coming mainly through the means of television rights, could amount to $ 15 million (Rs. 2.8 billion), the source said. As the entire sports world is suffering as never before in our living memory due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the number of cases has already risen to over 1.7 million the world over, taking the toll of over 100,000 lives. All major cricketing nations such as Australia, England, and India are among the precariously placed SLC CEO Ashley de Silva countries amid the surging pandemic. International media portrays the situation as the worst for sports in seven ‘Waiting for two further held on schedule), but we still haven't T20Is, in their preparation for the next decades – that is after World War II that weeks’: Ashley de Silva talked about it,” he told The Sunday T20 World Cup scheduled for October Sharmal Dissanayake spread across the globe during 1939-45. Meanwhile, SLC CEO Ashley de Morning Sports yesterday. in Australia. and Anika Seneviratne All major tournaments and competitions, Silva said the board officials are hoping The Proteas are to tour here in June “We haven't finalised the television ranging from Summer Olympics to to wait for about two further weeks for three ODIs and three T20Is, but the rights for those tours (of both South Wimbledon, have already been either observing the situation. cricket boards of the two countries have Africa and India) as yet because we HNB, Hutch Clay Court indefinitely postponed or completely “It will take another week or two reportedly said the prevailing situation are in the process of calling for tenders cancelled for the year due to the virus. to finalise whether we can go ahead needs to improve at least by the end for those,” clarified de Silva, adding: Nationals 2020 to resume “There is hardly any window to slot or not, particularly with regard to the of this month if they are to proceed “Even though we in Sri Lanka will in these series in (the) future. So we'll South Africa tour which is supposed with it. India too are scheduled to be take the situation under control, the have to incur such huge losses,” the to be held in June. We do have a few in Sri Lanka in June following South other teams will still not want to travel after curfew is lifted source added. windows (to slot in the series if it's not Africa, also for three ODIs and three here so soon.” This year's Clay Court Nationals, to practise and train for most which had already begun in March probably one week before resuming when the Government imposed the tournament," Subramaniam countrywide curfew due to the noted. ongoing coronavirus pandemic, "But our main wish is to will resume as soon as the curfew overcome the danger the country is lifted and the situation reaches is in at the moment. We are ready Liverpool legend Olympics could normalcy, its Tournament Director to go ahead at any time following Ganendran Subramaniam told The the required guidelines once the Sunday Morning Sports yesterday pandemic situation is over," he Dalglish tests positive be in doubt (11). added. Anika Seneviratne and The event is sponsored by Hatton Sharmal Dissanayake are the National Bank (HNB) and Hutch Women's and Men's defending for coronavirus even for 2021 Telecom. champions, respectively, in this The postponed Olympic should bring together all of its "Once the curfew is lifted soon, tournament, which is one of the Liverpool legend Sir “He would like to take this Games could be in doubt even technology and wisdom to work hopefully, we will observe the two highest-rated domestic tennis Kenny Dalglish has tested opportunity to thank the for the rescheduled dates in hard, so they can development situation and allow the participants tournaments of the country. positive for coronavirus and brilliant NHS (National 2021, Tokyo Games CEO treatments, medicines, and is in hospital but is showing Health Service) staff, whose Toshiro Muto said Friday (10). vaccines. We have made the no symptoms, his family dedication, bravery, and Earlier this month, it was decision to postpone the Games have announced. sacrifice should be the focus confirmed that the Olympics by one year, so this means that Dalglish was admitted to of the nation's attention at would be held from 23 July all we can do is work hard to hospital on Wednesday, 8 this extraordinary time. to 8 August next year due to prepare the Games." Motor Hill Climb in April for treatment of an “Prior to his admission the coronavirus pandemic. But Japan has confirmed more infection which required to hospital, Sir Kenny had Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo than 5,500 cases of Covid-19 Kandy postponed intravenous antibiotics. chosen to voluntarily self- Abe this week announced and 99 deaths. But experts say The 69-year-old former isolate for longer than the that much of the country will the true number of cases could Sir Kenny Dalglish BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY Motorsports Club. Celtic and Scotland forward advised period together enter a state of emergency be far higher due to a lack of The fourth Hill Climb motor This year, the organisers were was routinely tested for Liverpool in 1977. At with his family. He would as it struggles to contain the widespread testing. races have been indefinitely all out to hold it in style in June coronavirus after being Liverpool, his honours urge everyone to follow the outbreak. The Olympics will continue postponed due to the ongoing before the virus outbreak. admitted. included eight League relevant government and "I don't think anyone would to be known as Tokyo 2020. coronavirus outbreak. John Baskeren, one of the “Unexpectedly, the test Championships as a player expert guidance in the days be able to say if it is going to be It is the first time in history The Hill Climb event, one of the members of the organising result was positive but he and manager and three and weeks ahead. possible to get it under control that the Olympics have been most famous racing events in the committee, told The Sunday remains asymptomatic,” the European Cups. “He looks forward to by next July or not," Muto said. postponed during peacetime, country, was to be held in Kotmale, Morning Sports that they still have Dalglish family said. He also won the Premier being home soon. We will "We're certainly not in a position with the Games in 1916, 1940, organised by the well-known major plans to make it a good event Dalglish won the Scottish League as Blackburn provide further updates as to give you a clear answer. and 1944 being cancelled Senkadagala Motorsports Club like in the past after the situation League title four times at Rovers’ Manager in 1995. and when it is appropriate.” "I think rather than thinking because of world wars. in association with the Negombo improves. Celtic before moving to The statement added: (BBC) about alternative plans, mankind (Agencies) THREE CUPS A DAY KEEPS THE VIRUS AWAY? »SEE PAGE 6

THE UNWANTED DOUBLE CENTURY »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday, April 12, 2020 Nobusiness salary cuts for Approval for bank employees z Collective agreements prevent salary cuts companies to delay z Bonuses already paid for 2020 While most banks have considered salary cuts following the EPF remittances footsteps of leading conglomerates and several institutions, zLabour Dept. to consider applications case by case they are unlikely to BY CHARINDRA CHANDRASENA implement them to settle their EPF payments, due to the strong The Department of without imposing any surcharges. “Though we have requested for a employees’ union in A protest organised by Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union in 2018 Labour will permit certain companies to general directive from the Minister, the banking sector the decision to do so was put off and of the country, The HNB Board takes 50% pay cuts delay remittances to the will be reconsidered at a meeting of Sunday Morning Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), the second largest Employees Provident Fund the Special Task Force which has Business learns. private commercial bank in Sri Lanka, has implemented (EPF) without having to been set up to assess employment- salary cuts of 50% on its Board of Directors, while pay any surcharges, The related matters chaired by Minister According to the Ceylon employees’ salaries are not subjected to any cuts at the Sunday Morning learns. Dinesh Gunawardena on 20 April,” Bank Employees’ Union moment, The Sunday Morning Business learns. quipped Weerasinghe. (CBEU), 18 banks in the The HNB Board includes Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody, This relief measure is being The time period that will be country have entered into Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles, Directors Dr. L.R. provided to companies based on given to the companies to delay collective agreements with Karunaratne, R.S. Captain, D.A. Cabraal, Palitha Pelpola, a request by Employers’ Federation EPF payments will be decided case the CBEU individually and D. Soosaipillai, Nilantha De Silva, L.U.D. Fernando, Madu of Ceylon (EFC) Director General by case, according to Weerasinghe. these collective agreements Ratnayake, Asoka Pieris, Harsha Cabral PC, Alternate (DG)/Chief Executive Officer However when contacted, specify time frames of salary Directors P.R. Saldin and Prasad Samarasinghe, and (CEO) Kanishka Weerasinghe, Subject Minister Gunawardena increments and bonuses, company Secretary K.A.L. Thushari Ranaweera. considering the current lack of told The Sunday Morning Business leaving no legal room for the working capital in companies that he is aware of the request to banks for salary cuts. economic activities of the the banks as opposed to the across many industries due to the allow delayed EPF payments of “These collective country. This has also been inflows, it is most unlikely impact of Covid-19. companies without being subjected Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) Director General (DG)/Chief agreements do not have any supported by the fact that the that it will happen due to the When contacted, Commissioner Executive Officer (CEO) Kanishka Weerasinghe to surcharges and stated that it was exceptions for pay cuts. If banking service, which was not agreement, and the CBEU is General of Labour R.P.A. one amongst the many proposals at all, it is only bonuses that an essential service earlier, has yet to decide what should be Wimalaweera told us that while when a company applies to the Employment, and Labour he discussed recently with the EFC can be cut, but even that been made an essential service done in case the banks resort this was not a major issue during Commissioner General, if it can Relations Dinesh Gunawardena. and trade unions. has already been given this during this curfew period. to salary cuts. such a serious health and economic justify the delay and prove that it “Owners are trying to pay wages “No decision has been taken with year. It is a secured payment “Staff are reporting to Further, he noted that crisis, if certain companies are was for reasons beyond its control, and keep employees in employment regard to delaying EPF payments. and they are bound to pay work despite holidays. They regardless of the efforts put unable to remit EPF contributions they will definitely get relief. That amidst reduced working capital We have not decided on anything in the agreement,” CBEU worked on Good Friday too. by the banking sector, the for justifiable reasons, they would is being considered at the moment,” and that is to ensure job security,” yet. We will have another meeting Vice President Dinuka We believe they should not media has been unfairly be exempt from the surcharge. noted Wimalaweera. Weerasinghe noted. on 20 April. The first priority is Samaranayake told The suffer with pay cuts,” he portraying banks as villains “EPF surcharge exemptions Speaking to The Sunday Accordingly, upon receiving people’s health and the prevailing Sunday Morning Business. added. and profiteers at a time when will definitely be considered but Morning Business, EFC DG/ requests from the companies, condition in the country. Before all Therefore, the CBEU According to banking staff are helping the those are not the most important CEO Weerasinghe stated that Wimalaweera, who has statutory these things, there are many issues believes that bank employees Samaranayake, even though economy to keep moving problems at the moment. What the request was made a couple authority to allow companies to be sorted, like settling salaries will not be subjected to salary there is a threat of a salary forward, as requested by the is important at the moment is of weeks ago to the Department to delay EPF payments, would of people for the month of April,” cuts amidst the prevailing cut in the future due to the Government. whether or not employees will of Labour and Minister of Foreign take the matter case by case and Gunawardena added. pandemic and its impact on increased cash outflows from Contd. on page 2 get their salaries. However, if and Affairs, Skills Development, provide them a certain time period Contd. on page 2

George Steuart, Baurs assure full salaries Export factories outside

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR uncertainty on their employees and their Issuing a statement to his employees, red zones to be re-opened families. Baurs CEO/Managing Director (Sgd.) Rolf Regardless of the prevailing situation “We will re-engineer our offering, use Blaser stated that resorting to termination The Export Development will commence operations markets, new customers in the country, at least two established our creative thinking, and work harder, of employees or cutting salaries to cope Board (EDB) has called on after the New Year holidays. whilst strengthening our conglomerates have reached out to their faster, and smarter to somehow weather the up with the ongoing situation is premature all exporters to commence Factories will be permitted to existing relationships and employees with the assurance of paying storm ahead. Your relentless commitment, and not in the spirit of how one would treat operations after the end of operate outside the red zones continuing to provide quality their salaries and bonuses without subjecting determination, and adaptability are needed their family. the Sinhala and Tamil New and we must come together exports.” them to pay cuts. more than ever before,” Jayaweera said in “Please don’t be misled by our generosity. Year festival this week, to fulfil our responsibility The EDB said it wishes to These announcements come amidst a spree a statement to his employees. Even our customers are delaying their saying the factories will be as Sri Lankans,” the EDB stress that it is mandatory for of salary cut decisions made by a number of George Steuart is the oldest corporate payments, sometimes misusing the current permitted to operate outside said in a statement issued all exporters to comply with conglomerates over the past two weeks due house to be established locally 184 years situation as an excuse. Some of the the red zones. on Friday (10). the health regulations issued to the disruption caused to their business ago and one of the oldest mercantile Government’s payments too are outstanding; “The Government The EDB added that it is by the Ministry of Health and activities by the Covid-19 pandemic. establishments in the world. the outstanding payments from the State requires that as a country, assured that given sufficient Indigenous Medical Services Dilith Jayaweera, Chairman of George Meanwhile, in early April, A. Baur & Co. Pharmaceuticals Corporation are reaching it is imperative to place time, the world would in this regard and that all Steuart & Co., the first group of companies (Pvt.) Ltd., a 120-year-old company with the highest levels ever. Cash is king at a time emphasis on generating recover and Sri Lanka would factories will be inspected ever to be registered in Sri Lanka, last just under 1,000 employees, confirmed to of crisis, and everything needs to be done to foreign exchange earnings, come out of this crisis with by the PHI (public health week assured his employees that they will its employees that despite the turmoil, it will look at both the short and long-term financial without which our economy the help of its exporters. inspector) of the respective continue to receive their full salaries as settle 2019 bonuses in the month of April health of our organisation,” Blaser said. cannot be sustained. It is “It is time for us to come area before they commence they understand the weight of the current as per their earlier commitment. Contd. on page 2 of utmost importance, together and go forth into business. therefore, that all exporters the world in search of new Contd. on page 2

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR With no signs of lifting curfew, telecommunication Telco bills in curfew uncertainty service providers have resigned to providing “We are not forcing people to Dialog uninterrupted service z Industry agrees to hold back on disconnections settle their bills during this time Speaking to us, Dialog Axiata PLC throughout the curfew period requested the service providers not because that is not fair, but we CEO Supun Weerasinghe confirmed without disconnection, to discontinue any services due to are encouraging people to settle that Dialog has stopped disconnecting despite the accumulated total non-payment during this period and their bills if they can. In addition services based on outstanding payments of customers’ outstanding advised to provide a grace period to all these measures, we have until the end of the curfew situation. for users until end-April to settle re-connected certain connections “We cannot give people a deadline payments. their bills. that were disconnected due to non- to settle their bills at the moment. It is Leading service providers in the However, now it is understood that payment even before this Covid-19 unfair of us to ask them to pay now. country told The Sunday Morning this grace period may go on for longer issue. We have connected these even Until the end of the curfew, we will Business that they have extended than April, unless the spread of the without them (customers) settling continue providing services and after the credit facility for their respective virus shows signs of slowing down the payments,” Perera added. that, we will give them a reasonable subscriber base until the country significantly, and if the curfew is not According to him, SLT too is time to settle,” Weerasinghe added. returns to normalcy. lifted by end-April. planning to provide flexible payment He noted that the non-settling of This decision has been taken by plans to their corporate clients once bills during this period is mainly due the service providers to keep up with Sri Lanka Telecom they get back in business, and payment to constrained mobility as a result of the directive issued to them by their The Sunday Morning Business plans will be decided on a case-by- the ongoing curfew. However, he added regulator, the Telecommunications contacted Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) case basis. that about 40% of Dialog users settle Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka CEO Kiththi Perera, who told us that the gravity of the prevailing situation. process of launching an online SLT’s company profit for the year their bills through online banking and (TRCSL). SLT is not making any disconnections However, with a view to make their payment app, encouraging people ended 2018 was Rs. 1.9 billion while other online payment tools. Earlier this month, the TRCSL during this period as they understand business sustainable, SLT is in the to settle their bills. it was Rs. 1.4 billion a year prior. Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, April 12, 2020 Dire outlook for rest of 2020 for Sri Lanka PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in its forecast for Sri Lanka said last week that the Covid- 19 outbreak is likely to affect private sector business sales and investment through most of 2020. “This is further evident from the movement in the All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). From the date of the first confirmed case in Sri Lanka (28 January 2020), the ASPI plunged by more than 20% as at 31 March 2020 to an all- time low during the past five years. The fall in investor sentiment globally, NTB mobile along with their own home country challenges faced, will negatively impact prospects for attracting foreign direct for garments, tea, and rubber products. “While there is a strong temptation to investments to or in to Sri Lanka during However, reduction in global oil prices, buy at what we feel is a definite value ATMs around 2020,” it said in a note titled “Covid- weak demand, and restrictions on point, the situation is unpredictable and 19 Outbreak: Impact on Sri Lanka and imports for vehicles and non-essential risks are tilted towards the downside.” Recommendations” released on 8 April consumer items may offset some of While the immediate impact will be 2020. the adverse impacts from the decline in on the Sri Lankan consumer, there will Western Province The expected government spending exports, it added. follow impacts from a decline in tourism Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has is also uncertain due postponement Meanwhile, since the start of the year, and exports, it added. The Government commenced the deployment of Pelawatte, Thalawathugoda, Maharagama, of parliamentary elections, healthcare the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated against does not have the fiscal space to mobile ATM services to many areas Kottawa, Wattala, Mahabage, Kadana, expenditure, and income support the US dollar by approximately 9% as at adequately relieve the private sector in the Western Province to help Dehiwala, and Mount Lavinia. measures undertaken to fight the 6 April 2020. from the effects of a domestic shutdown Speaking about this initiative, NTB consequences of the pandemic, it added. Meanwhile, the CBSL had introduced and the external impacts of the global customers meet their primary Deputy CEO Hemantha Gunetilleke PwC believes receipt of remittances several measures such as restrictions crisis. The worry (as it is with the rest banking needs as well as sign up for stated: “The wellbeing of our customers, will be affected due to the global on sovereign bond purchases by of the world) is that the crisis severely NTB’s mobile banking and internet colleagues, and the general public are economic downturn and lower oil prices, licensed banks, import restrictions, and impacts productive capacity (especially banking services without having to of utmost importance to us during this since approximately about half of all restrictions on outward investments for small and medium-sized enterprises). travel too far away from home. pandemic. Access to cash is important remittances originate from the Middle to ease the pressure on the Sri Lankan 1) JKSB said it expects Sri Lanka to when people are confined to their homes. Eastern region and over 20% from rupee. demonstrate negative GDP for 2020 NTB’s mobile ATMs are travelling to Owing to that, we have mobilised the Europe. Despite the actions taken by and to see continued pressure on central areas covering many populated Nations (NTB’s) mobile ATM service Based on the data provided by the regulators, given the current market equities and the Sri Lankan rupee areas including apartment complexes to enabled with a live link for location Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for conditions, PwC said it expects the Sri 2) Nevertheless, since it is never obvious provide this essential service between updates. This would help our customers the week ended 3 April 2020, headline Lankan rupee to experience further as to when the end of a bear market 9.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. The service conveniently track and locate the exact and core inflation of the Colombo pressure. Hence, adequate lines of is, it recommends cautious buying of can be used by both customers of NTB location of the vehicle and reduce time Consumer Price Index (CCPI) showed a foreign funding should be sought to selected equities with a multi-year and any other local bank whose network spent waiting.” decline in March 2020. Based on higher manage short-term pressures on the time horizon is supported by LankaPay or foreign bank Explaining the health and safety food prices, owing to tighter supply currency. 3) It also recommends dividend yielding ATM cards to withdraw cash up to Rs. measures put in place, Gunetilleke added: conditions and supply chain disruptions, In the long term, a strong export equities like LLUB, NEST, CTC, 100,000. “We are also keen on notifying our is expected to drive inflation. However, base and sustainable foreign direct DIST. It feels F&B counters will A unique feature introduced by NTB customers and the public that all health weak demand and lower indirect taxes investments (FDIs) will be critical for a display some resilience as compared enables anyone to obtain a live location and safety precautions have been taken are likely to counter inflation pressures. strong currency. Export industries in its to leisure exposed companies or update of the mobile ATM during its time when providing this service. Physical It added that it should be noted that view should be provided Tax-Free status banking/non-banking financials. of operations. This link is published daily distancing practices will be strictly adhered larger fiscal deficits will push the central for a considerable length of time to While dividend payouts may be on NTB’s Facebook page (www.facebook. to while maintaining order, protection, government domestic and external debt attract investment, create employment, limited especially in 2020, these com/nationstrustbank). This is yet another and assistance. Hand sanitisers are made ratios even higher. and generate foreign exchange. counters have demonstrated strong digitally enhanced facility, which is a first available for the use of all. Work is The current account deficit is Meanwhile, in their “Equity Market capacity for FCF (free cash flow) in the market by NTB. underway to expand services and widen expected to widen with the anticipated Outlook – April 2020”, John Keells generation Areas already covered include Colpetty, coverage in the future. We believe the decline in exports, tourist earnings, Stock Brokers (JKSB) notes that it is 4) We have attached preliminary Bambalapitiya, and Wellawatte via Nations mobile ATM is a timely solution and remittances. Export will weaken in difficult to estimate the impact and earnings estimates for certain counters Duplication Road and Galle Road. Between in response to our customers’ needs and 2020 due to reduced sales, especially consequences the current pandemic has which assumes a recovery starting 6 and 12 April 2020, the mobile ATMs we welcome everybody to make use of this to Europe and the US, the key markets on the Sri Lankan economy and equities. from Q3 will also visit the areas of Battaramulla, service when it visits your neighbourhood.”

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stopped overtime payments and associate companies and employs come to a bilateral decision. consumption value will not be a in the future, but we have to Approval for... all expenses related to training and approximately 12,700. “There are agreements valid shock at the end of the month. understand that every business is According to Weerasinghe, EPF development. When contacted, Employers’ for three years. These bilateral Dialog Axiata is a listed company hurt at this time. We are providing surcharges could be as much as Earlier last week before Federation of Ceylon (EFC) agreements have been signed and a subsidiary of the Malaysian relief as much as we can to our 50%, in case of a delayed EPF Softlogic, John Keells implemented Director General/CEO Kanishka between the bank management and Axiata Group. For the year ended users, both prepaid and postpaid,” payment. salary cuts of between 5% and Weerasinghe told The Sunday trade unions. Therefore, it cannot be 31 December 2019, the company’s Nadarasa noted. The EPF was established 35% on the basic salaries of all Morning Business that these salary a unilateral decision,” Dheerasinghe profit stood as Rs. 11.5 billion Nadarasa added that Hutch’s data under the Employees’ Provident employees in executive levels and cuts are equitable for companies as noted. compared to Rs. 4.3 billion a year usage has gone up by 50% these Fund Act No. 15 of 1958 and is above, whose basic salaries are despite reduced working capital, The CBEU is the single largest prior. days and their data revenue has also currently the largest social security over Rs. 50,000. they are trying to retain their trade union operating across the As at end-2018, Dialog had a gone up to a certain extent in spite scheme in Sri Lanka. The EPF Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka’s employees and at the same time pay banking sector of Sri Lanka. It has market share of over 44% and a of the offers given by them to their has over Rs. 2,289 billion worth largest apparel exporter Brandix wages to them while still looking a presence in 18 out of 33 banks 13.8 million mobile subscriber consumers. of assets. The total investment Lanka Ltd. too stated that it is after other commitments. operating in the country with a base. Hutch has a market share of over portfolio (book value) of the fund cutting all executive cadre salaries “The depreciating rupee is another membership exceeding 28,000, or 17% following its merger with grew by 15.4% to Rs. 2,298.8 by between 5% and 60% depending hit on companies’ working capital. more than 50%, of the country’s Mobitel Etisalat in December 2018. billion as at end-2018 from Rs. on salary levels, while its Board The companies have to be ready to banking professionals. Meanwhile, Mobitel CEO Nalin All the aforementioned operators 1,992.4 billion recorded at end- and CEO were foregoing their purchase raw materials and goods The CBEU has collective Perera confirmed to us that Mobitel confirmed that they will not layoff 2017. According to the EPF compensation for the next six to resume work, other than paying agreements with 18 banks in the will be providing continuous their employees while none of them Act, an employee is required to months. wages; of course, paying wages country. Under these collective service to its customers during this have decided to slash salaries of contribute a minimum of 8% and When contacted, Laugfs is important too. We agree with agreements, bank employees curfew period despite their dues their employees at the moment. the employer a minimum of 12% Holdings Ltd. Chairman W.K.H. that, but they also have to look at receive salary increments for three and uncertainty around the lifting With the coronavirus (Covid- of the total salary of the employee Wegapitiya stated that his group has business continuity. If the business years on a particular sale agreement. of curfew. 19) now spread across over 200 monthly. not reached any decision regarding continues, the job, the company, and The banks’ remuneration “The extended credit facility countries, telecommunication salaries at the moment as they have everything else will be there. This is framework is revised once in three will be given until the prevailing service providers in many countries to think about their employees and why the companies are resorting to years, incorporating the provisions situation returns to normalcy. I including Australia, Pakistan, George their families. this,” Weerasinghe stated. of the collective agreements signed think we can sustain massive dues France, Russia, and Bahrain have Steuart... Furthermore, Wegapitiya When asked whether the with trade unions. from the corporate businesses as provided various types of relief and noted that Laugfs is a diversified companies are or will be misusing we understand their situation in this offers to their customers. Two large conglomerates conglomerate and has subsidiaries the prevailing situation in the time,” Perera stated. implemented salary cuts last week in the oil, gas, and power country to cut the salaries of Furthermore, he noted that Export factories... due to Covid-19, namely premiere sectors which are comparatively employees who they have been Telco bills... Mobitel’s revenue has been blue-chip John Keells Holdings less affected than sectors like wanting to even before the crisis, he Furthermore, he noted that Dialog satisfactory so far in this period as This follows a request by the PLC and Softlogic Holdings PLC. engineering. However, he was non- vehemently rejected it, stating that is considering providing their people are consuming more data Joint Apparel Association Forum Softlogic on Wednesday (8) committal as he did not confirm those are baseless allegations. corporate customers a grace period during their stay at home. Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) earlier this implemented salary reductions whether or not there will be salary He further supported his until September where before the Mobitel is a fully owned week for the Government to of all employees with a salary of cuts in his group. statement by adding that in the end of this grace period, it will not subsidiary of SLT. It recorded a intervene and re-open apparel Rs. 50,000 or above for a period Laugfs, a two-decade-old companies that announced or levy penalty charges for outstanding profit of Rs. 3.6 billion in 2018, factories urgently. of three months. Accordingly, the company, has expanded in over 20 will announce pay cuts for their payments of its corporate compared to Rs. 3.3 billion in “Re-open apparel factories salary reductions will be between industries with 4,000 employees employees, top-level people like customers. 2017. Mobitel has a market share in their full capacity as early as 5% and 30%, with employees in across various sectors in Sri Lanka, directors and chairmen are having “We are dealing with the of over 28% with a customer base possible to avoid a very serious the salary range of Rs. 50,000 to Bangladesh, the UAE, the US, and a bigger percentage of their salaries corporate customers on a case-by- of over 5 million. trade shift that may take place in 100,000 being docked 5% while the Netherlands. cut. case basis. We give them flexibility. favour of our competitor countries, those in the Rs. 1 million and above The Sunday Morning Business We have to work out payment Hutch since our competitors such as salary range being docked 30%. also contacted Melstacorp PLC No salary... and instalment plans with the Meanwhile, Hutchison Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, All bonuses and pay increases have Managing Director Amitha customer based on the bill value. Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt.) and Indonesia still remain open for also been put on hold for these three Gooneratne, who refused to Meanwhile, Commercial Bank Still we have not looked at that,” Ltd. CEO Thirukumar Nadarasa business despite the presence of months. comment on whether there would of Ceylon PLC Chairman Dharma Weerasinghe added. also confirmed to us that Hutch is Covid-19.” Furthermore, the diversified be any salary cuts within the group Dheerasinghe told The Sunday Speaking further, he stated that providing continuous connection Currently, the apparel industry in conglomerate has frozen all or not. Melstacorp is a diversified Morning Business that in case of their current focus is to provide during this time despite the threat Sri Lanka is home to over 400,000 recruitments and halted all conglomerate based in Sri Lanka having to take a decision to slash uninterrupted service to customers of the big bills to the cashflow of direct employees and in the last new business plans and capital and is home to 19 direct and the salaries, they will first have to and make them aware of their usage the company. fiscal year, recorded $ 5.6 billion expenditure. The company has also indirect subsidiaries as well as two negotiate with the trade unions and on a daily basis so that their total “Cashflow would be an issue worth of exports. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, April 12, 2020 ECONOMY/FINANCIAL SERVICES Attracting foreign exchange: Are we on the right track? is a market function and trying to In 2001/2002, a similar tax distort (it) by intervention is not amnesty scheme was brought By advisable. In this case, with the by then Minister of Finance Dhananath devaluation of our rupee, the prices K.N. Choksy and the proposal Fernando of food and medicine will go up, was reversed soon after the new thereby increasing poverty levels. Government was elected in 2004. There are no short-term solutions on Appealing for foreign mitigating long-term macro issues. What should be our mandate currency deposits for the coming Sinhala and Time and time again, it has been Tamil New Year? We have to On 2 April 2020, the Governor proven that curbing imports is not be psychologically prepared of the Central Bank appealed the solution and monetary prudence to domestic and international is the way to stabilise the rupee. to work harder and develop well-wishers on behalf of the the ability to drive and lead Government of the Democratic The Yahapanala Government in the best of times as well Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to made the same mistake of as the worst of times that deposit foreign exchange into Sri imposing import controls and are about to dawn on the Lankan banks with an assurance providing cash injections to horizon. that no questions would be asked the system, which resulted in on the financial trail of the funds. the rapid depreciation of the Amidst the Covid-19 battle and In the appeal, the Governor of the rupee a quarantined Sinhala and Tamil Central Bank mentioned that the New Year, the recent figures by money would be accepted without The motivation behind these the Department of Census and any hindrance from the Central measures is understandable as our Statistics indicate that our per Bank and the banking system and foreign exchange income is very capita GDP for the year 2019 will be exempted from exchange tight, but in this new Sinhala and (which is a reasonable measure to control regulations and taxes for Tamil New Year, we must ensure evaluate the standard of living) is three months from 2 April 2020 the cure is not worse than the at $ 3,852 per annum, a drop from onwards. illness. $ 4,079 in 2018 (In USD terms, At the point of writing this (The writer is the Chief this is a 5.5% drop compared to In this context, the decisions curbing imports to narrow the trade down to 4% from 5%, which article, the Central Bank has not Operating Officer of the Advocata 2018 and a 3.9% increase in LKR we make and the messages we deficit. injected a further Rs. 50 billion published further guidelines; only Institute and can be contacted at terms). In 2015, our GDP per push will determine where we Today, we have arrived at the to the Sri Lankan economy (3). the statement by the Governor [email protected]. Learn capita was $ 3,842. In USD terms, are heading towards and the fate point of no return. With little The meaning of the statutory rate is available. However, it is of more about Advocata’s work at we have pretty much slipped to that awaits us in the not-so-distant growth in exports and debt cut is that all licensed commercial paramount importance that these www.advocata.org. The opinions where we were five years before. future. beyond our means, the Sri Lankan banks earlier had to maintain a measures do not impact Sri Lanka’s expressed are the author’s own Just to bring our performance taxpayer has racked up debt of mandatory reserve of 5% of their ratings by rating agencies as this views. They may not necessarily into perspective, Japan’s GDP per It is no secret that Sri Lanka about $ 16 billion payable by total deposits with the regulator would further erode our capacity reflect the views of the Advocata capita is around $ 40,000. The requires foreign exchange to 2023 (2). The Government took (deposit liabilities), but now have to work with international donor Institute, or anyone affiliated with standard of living in Japan is 10x pay back our import bills and to implementing a futile policy of to maintain only 4%. This money agencies and financial markets. the institute) as Sri Lanka. Our GDP growth the loans that we have taken. banning the importation of non- will most likely be utilised towards We have to be cautious not to open 1. Central Bank of Sri Lanka, rate is estimated to be at 2.3%, We import almost double essentials including vehicles. Our relief measures provided by the space for money laundering while “GDP Growth,” Central Bank of another 0.3% drop from the initial what we export, hence rupee has depreciated nearly 70% Government. we take decisions at this serious Sri Lanka, https://www.cbsl.gov. estimation of 2.6%. What this the balance in the current over the past decade. On 8 April moment to attract more foreign lk/en/economic-and-statistical- means is Sri Lanka will take 30 account – or in common man’s 2020, the Sri Lankan rupee passed currency. charts/gdp-growth-chart years to double our living standard term, imports exceed our 200 against the dollar. Given the As a result of the serious efforts 2. Government of Sri Lanka, if we are to move at this pace. And exports ongoing crisis, we are left with few by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Finance, even then, we will be falling 5x Measures by the options to save precious foreign we were delisted in the grey list Annual Report 2018, http:// behind Japan’s present standard of reserves as raising money from the of the Financial Action Task www.treasury.gov.lk/ living (1). Central Bank market at the present risk premium Force (FATF) in October 2019 documents/10181/12870/ We are heading towards a difficult It is no secret that Sri Lanka is almost impossible. (4). The FATF is the global policy Finance+Ministry+Annual+ and challenging time period with requires foreign exchange to pay However, data indicates that setter on anti-money laundering Report+2018+English+updated. a bad start. We can overcome this back our import bills and the the Central Bank continues with and countering the financing pdf/fa11483d-1999-448c-a825- only by working together locally loans that we have taken. We quantitative easing – printing by of terrorism. A delisting from cd170e207b45, (Accessed April and forging partnerships globally. import almost double what we money or adding more money into the FATF grey list is a positive 07, 2020). We have to find opportunities in this export, hence the balance in the our financial system – which is indication to the market to attract 3. Economynext, “Sri Lanka crisis and navigate by adding more current account – or in common the main reason for our currency quality investments which look makes fresh helicopter drop value to our goods and services man’s term, imports exceed our to depreciate. On 24 February As we continuously highlighted for a credible financial system. of liquidity as nation fights off which the global market seeks. Our exports. This trade deficit has 2020, the Central Bank of Sri in this column, the Yahapanala At the same time, we have to be Coronavirus” mandate in this New Year should to be narrowed, and this is the Lanka made a Rs. 24 billion profit Government made the same vigilant not to breach the code of https://economynext.com/sri-lanka- be to be competitive, serve market challenge. Over the years, instead transfer; on 13 March, the Central mistake of imposing import conduct and ethical guidelines of makes-fresh-helicopter-drop-of- opportunities, and capitalise on the of implementing the required Bank injected Rs. 50 billion by controls and providing cash international donor agencies, as liquidity-as-nation-fights-off- limited opportunities before us. reforms to make our exports more buying government securities; injections to the system, which there is a high possibility of Sri coronavirus-64137/ However, this is easier said than competitive and to close the gap, and on 17 March, the Statutory resulted in the rapid depreciation of Lanka knocking on their door as a 4. https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/en/ done. our constant strategy has been Reserve Ratio (SRR) was brought the rupee. The value of the rupee fallback option. node/6701 DFCC Bank announces measures to provide uninterrupted services DFCC Bank PLC announced that it has Province in the coming days. taken necessary precautions to provide uninterrupted financial services through Branch operations digital services and be agile according As per the Central Bank directive, the to the Government and Central Bank selected branches of DFCC Bank will directives to ensure the safety of all remain open in order to provide counter citizens. transactions from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in curfew-imposed areas. However, DFCC DFCC digital banking services Bank has taken necessary actions to From left: SLIC Chairman Jagath Wellawatta speaking at a press conference alongside Directors Anil Through its digital banking channels, implement safety measures to protect the Kumara Meegahage and Surekha Alles DFCC Bank facilitates regular financial customers who visit the branch to conduct transactions such as fund transfers and their financial transactions. Gloves and utility bill payments. As per the Central face masks are being used by all staff Bank directives, customers can now open members including security officials Rs. 1.5 m cover from and activate these facilities online without while hand sanitisers and washbasins stepping to a branch KYC (know your are fixed inside the branch and ATM customer) verification. Additionally, premises, respectively, for customers to Sri Lanka Insurance by using the DFCC Pay app, customers maintain their wellbeing. The regular Sri Lanka Insurance The Viru Abhiman cover “As the national insurer can conduct payments through Visa cleaning of surfaces which are mostly Corporation (SLIC) last is available for all healthcare of the nation, our main QR (quick response), LankaClear QR, touched, elevators, and ATM machines week introduced “Viru employees in the state sector objective is to fulfil our JustPay, and POS (point of sale) machines with disinfectants is also in process in Abhiman”, a free financial (Health Ministry officials, duty towards the nation by which are enabled for processing QR order to maintain good hygiene practices cover for the families of doctors, nurses, attendants, safeguarding the families of payments. at the workplace. state sector employees who drivers, minor workers, the state sector employees are actively involved in Public Health Inspectors and members of the armed DFCC’s Bank on Wheels Service Financial concessions due to combating Covid-19. [PHIs], regional health forces who have come forth DFCC Bank launched the “Bank on Covid-19 In the unfortunate event officials, etc.), members to protect the country from Wheels Service” recently to visit the Further, DFCC Bank has taken of an employee’s loss of of the armed forces of Sri the Covid-19 pandemic customers’ doorstep to provide cash necessary action to grant financial life due to Covid-19 within Lanka (Sri Lanka Army, Sri and assist the national withdrawals and bank balance checking concessions for its valuable clients the year 2020, the Rs. Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air programme of the Sri services without stepping into a branch. affected by the Covid-19 pandemic based 1.5 million cover is to be Force), the Sri Lanka Police Lankan Government,” SLIC All DFCC Bank customers along with on the Central Bank directives and the extended to the family by and Civil Security Force said in a press release. other bank customers can access this relief guidelines issued by the Sri Lankan the state-owned insurer. This of Sri Lanka, members of This new insurance service by using their Visa, Mastercard, Government. Customers could avail these is the first and only cover in the divisional secretariats scheme follows the donation Amex, and JCB debit cards issued privileges by submitting a letter of request Sri Lanka offered free for including field officers, of Rs. 5 million made to the by local banks to withdraw up to Rs. on or before 30 April 2020. Further “Covid-19 heroes” who are members of the district Covid-19 Health and Social 150,000. The Bank on Wheels Service Moratuwa, Nawala, Malabe, Mattegoda, information can be obtained by calling on the frontline ensuring the secretariats, and members of Security Fund by SLIC was available at selected locations in Narahenpita, Pannipitiya, and Kotahena DFCC Bank’s 24/7 Contact Centre on 011 safety of the public. the Postal Department. recently. Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Modara, and will be available in the Western 2350000. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/RETAIL Sunday, April 12, 2020 Capitalising on forced change There’s a piece of much-touted self-help advice that claims a producing, buying locally, and responsibility cannot just be a loyalty among their people. 21/90 rule applies to building a new behaviour – doing it for looking for new ways of working. buzzword used when convenient; if Change doesn’t come easy, and 21 days at a stretch and practising it consistently for three Self-sustenance is not a priority it is indeed a habit and way of life, especially within a business, it can months so that the new habit becomes a lifestyle. If that’s a in an intrinsically interconnected then that must translate into how an be a painful and long-drawn-out count to go by, then these weeks of lockdown are a good time world. But here we are in these entity reacts in this crisis. affair. But in this pandemic, change to start building some good habits and letting go of bad ones. extraordinary times where that The community shock of Covid- is being forced upon businesses Habits don’t have to be only personal ones; corporate habits connectivity we’ve taken for granted 19 includes millions of livelihoods and their survival depends on how are just as important because those determine the way of life for so long has dried up to virtually being lost around the world and here rapidly they can entrench new nothing. It is essential then that at home. Saving livelihoods must strategies and new ways of working adopted by each business. THE this pandemic becomes a catalyst somehow happen alongside saving – new habits that will redefine This pandemic seems to to those of us with the relative for strategies and actions that lead lives. Of course, in a public health corporate cultures in these bizarre be building a palpable wave security and privilege to treat this HEADLIGHT to self-sufficiency in meeting the emergency, the safety of people circumstances. of gratitude towards others, lockdown and work-from-home essential needs of our own people. must come first, but in this particular This is the true test of the appreciation of one’s own fortunes, period as a moment to slow down will have immediate repercussions For businesses, it is a moment meltdown, their financial safety dynamism and agility that many and a strong sense of community and catch up with ourselves. and consumers will first feel to reconsider and re-evaluate the must also come a close second. companies claim for themselves; even through the distancing. While the priority is rightly the shortages of essential food, way things have been done; it’s Business leaders making tough it is also a moment that reflects Perhaps it is a moment of pause that containing the health crisis, medication, and household items. a moment to dwell on ethics and decisions in these volatile days can how well shareholder primacy has rebalances our lives and allows us the economic shock that is still While what awaits us is as yet values, and how best to balance only hope that their good judgment been balanced with an ethos of to reconnect with our families at a building up will be of unfathomable uncertain, this is most certainly a shareholder expectations against translates into the mitigation of responsibility and a commitment to fundamental level. But that applies proportions. The current lockdowns time to develop the habit of growing, stakeholder value. Corporate losses while building resilience and the greater good. Daraz wants to deliver to 15,000 homes daily

BY UWIN LUGODA communities could more quickly return 1.5-metre distance from each other at all we have the reach to get more goods to to normalcy. The company and provincial times when in Daraz facilities. households and the authorities have a far With the economy at large being on governments across China were able to set Fernando stated that their human more robust, accountable, and proven thin ice, the retail industry has found a up the app nationwide within a few weeks. resources (HR) team has also been fantastic model to depend on to service households.” new lifeline to help them through these Speaking to The Sunday Morning in constantly staying in touch with all their As for their stocks, Fernando stated turbulent times – e-commerce. An ever- Business, Daraz Sri Lanka Managing 700-plus staff. He explained that the HR that currently their primary suppliers are expanding industry with consumers Director (MD) Rakhil Fernando stated that team has been focused on educating the doing a great job of replenishing their worldwide spending nearly $ 3.46 trillion Alibaba has generally been involved in the staff on how to best handle this pandemic. warehouses, and so Daraz has enough online in 2019 and retail sales being Sri Lankan operation, both technology- “We have had steady support from our stocks to last till the end of the lockdown. estimated to reach $ 6.5 trillion by 2023, wise and also in implementing best parent company Alibaba and the Jack Ma He stated that with further government the sector was already booming. But since practices, and has continued to give them Foundation. We also have the benefit of support, Daraz could implement a clear the outbreak, online shopping has been a lot of support during the outbreak by experience here, so every employee has and highly optimised logistics process accelerated into overdrive; even the largest deploying all the best practices that have access to key teachings and practices from to maximum households receiving both retailers on the planet are struggling to proven to work in China. China which faced the crisis before us.” essential and other goods islandwide, while keep up with the unprecedented consumer “The key is the reliability in both minimising the need to have large amounts demand. the delivery and selection of products, of their workforce on the ground. Even in Sri Lanka, consumers are now all the while maintaining the highest “We can help essential goods and other depending on online shopping for their safety standards for both employees and As our platform can support 20 brand owners and retailers to get their essentials and have seen many of the customers.” million unique visitors on it at any goods to people’s homes and reignite the country’s top retailers switch to online. Fernando explained that during a global one time, we have both the technology, economy. As our platform can support This is especially the case when it comes crisis such as this, they have to look not infrastructure, and operational 20 million unique visitors on it at any to already established e-commerce only at the immediate needs and measures processes to both handle huge order one time, we have both the technology, sites such as Daraz, one of Sri Lanka’s such as social (or physical) distancing, but volumes, 100,000s of sellers making infrastructure, and operational processes to largest e-commerce platforms which also at how to interpret those needs into sales, and 10,000s in daily last-mile both handle huge order volumes, 100,000s connects thousands of sellers to millions more sustainable lifestyle models. deliveries islandwide of sellers making sales, and 10,000s in of consumers across the country, and has “How do you open up the economy but daily last-mile deliveries islandwide.” brought with them the expertise of its maintain social distancing? How do you Fernando stated that their platform has parent company, Alibaba Group. allow people to normalise, with a minimal Fernando stated that Daraz is currently been attracting around 150,000 unique Alibaba is China’s answer to Amazon need to venture into crowded places? operating their warehouse, sorting visitors daily, and due to a huge demand for with its massive e-commerce platform Soon, consumers’ needs will grow beyond centre, and local hubs to continue their essentials across the island, they have seen and forays into cloud computing and essentials and companies like us will need deliveries in Colombo. However, due to large volumes of new users downloading digital media. IDC (International Data to service that.” the restrictions in inter-district travel, he the Daraz app during the past few weeks. Corporation), a premier global market He stated that the solution to this is a explained that they are finding it difficult to As for deliveries, he explained that Daraz Sri Lanka MD Rakhil Fernando intelligence firm, estimated that Alibaba centralised fulfilment model where sellers replenish their hubs with stocks and have the current curfew parameters have been controls 47% of China’s Infrastructure-as- channel goods through a central platform no clear path to follow to get the needed challenging for them due to the passes a-Service (IaaS) cloud market; as of last like theirs, which incorporates both the approval. being limited to particular zones, making it year, it had controlled about 55% of the system and location as Daraz is able to “Due to the current restrictions, we’re difficult for them to execute their model of country’s e-commerce market share. The primary limitation is the current handle the volumes for a market like Sri focusing primarily on Colombo 1 to 15 and centralised fulfilment. In May 2018, the Alibaba Group system of essential goods delivery Lanka. any areas where curfew has been lifted.” “Our plan is to familiarise the authorities acquired the Daraz Group, along with its approvals. We have the capacity to Furthermore, the Co-founder of Alibaba However, despite this, Daraz still with our model and how effective it has operations in markets such as Bangladesh, deliver 15,000 orders islandwide every recently also went on to donate face masks delivers essential supplies to around 2,000 been in China during this crisis as well as Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, day. If the current curfew pass model and Covid-19 tests to Sri Lanka through households daily within Colombo and the SARS epidemic. This model is very which covers more than 460 million shifts to allow centralised delivery on Fernando. its suburbs. But according to Fernando, much in sync with both the Government’s people. top of the decentralised model currently Speaking on their safety measures, they have the capacity to go beyond this short and long-term agendas of ending Having operated through the initial approved, we have the reach to get Fernando stated that they are currently and fulfil 15,000 orders daily and so plan this crisis efficiently by empowering outbreak in China, Alibaba has been able more goods to households employing both World Health Organisation to further increase their capacity in the communities and eventually digitalising to bring in a unique level of experience to (WHO) standards and Alibaba’s best coming week. our society.” Daraz in all its markets. Alibaba ensured and agile mindset. practices amongst all their staff and “The primary limitation is the current Finally, Fernando stated that despite the supply of food and essentials to While facing this crisis, Alibaba delivery riders. This includes having system of essential goods delivery the large amount of orders, they have millions of people in China during the also managed to help the Hangzhou all their staff wear surgical masks, use approvals. We have the capacity to deliver been compelled to curtail the supply to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) Municipality set up a trial app in early hand sanitiser when entering a facility or 15,000 orders islandwide every day. If the present demand as they cannot fulfil and Covid-19 lockdown, and has managed February in order to use big data to delivering a package, be subjected to daily the current curfew pass model shifts to deliveries to all their customers islandwide. to thrive under unprecedented conditions help monitor control of the virus’ temperature checks, disinfect packages allow centralised delivery on top of the Nevertheless, they are tirelessly working due to the company’s inherent adaptability spread, individual by individual, so that before delivery, and staff members keep a decentralised model currently approved, on changing that. Laugfs Supermarkets committed to deliver amidst obstacles

The sequence of events that unfolded in approaches by Laugfs Supermarkets are the island during the past few weeks due focused on the sole objective of enabling to Covid-19 has made many businesses their customers to fulfil all their domestic rethink their traditional operational models. needs using one touchpoint. When the demand for fresh produce and Laugfs Supermarkets CEO Lilanthi grocery items in a curfew-ridden city Herath commented: “Since the curfew started escalating, Laugfs Supermarkets was announced on 20 March 2020, Laugfs restructured their operations to meet this Supermarkets have served over 100,000 need. customers, despite the lack of manpower, Laugfs Supermarkets set up their online limited supply chain, and other challenges. order system through Grocerypal.lk, The credit goes to the dedicated staff allowing customers the option to order members who are working round the clock online and have goods delivered to their to find solutions to roadblocks and innovate homes. Customers also had the ability new methods of reaching the customer to order through the website and collect to ensure that we meet the needs of their their goods from selected supermarket families during this time.” outlets when the curfew was lifted. It is Laugfs Supermarkets introduced the of importance for Laugfs Supermarkets 24-hour supermarket retailing concept in to allow the customer to order what is executed by Laugfs Supermarkets located Currently, the supermarkets operate on addresses. Sri Lanka. The company currently manages really needed and to provide them with the in Seeduwa, Negombo, Mattegoda, Chilaw, a call and order system, where customers Laugfs Supermarkets are currently 37 supermarket outlets in Colombo and option to choose and minimise substitution. Baseline, Raddolugama, Katubedda, and directly reach the outlets via phone and focusing on reaching the customer by its suburbs as well as Kurunegala and Currently, the Grocerypal.lk website is Hokandara. Moreover, Laugfs Supermarkets place their orders, which are then delivered improving their online presence and Chilaw. The company’s flagship brands, going through a revamp in order to improve proactively approached the top tier of their to their doorstep. Until the curfew is allowing them the option of customising Laugfs Super and Laugfs SuperMart, cater its ability to handle more traffic and will be loyalty card scheme “LAUGFS One” to lifted, all Laugfs Supermarket outlets are their shopping list through Grocerypal. to over 800,000 shoppers monthly. The operational soon. ensure their needs are met during these committed to operate in this manner to reach lk. Laugfs Medz, the supermarket chain’s supermarket chain also features its very own During this tumultuous time, Laugfs times of restricted access. In order to reach out to as many customers as possible. They pharmacy network, joined hands with a Crimson Bakeries and Medz Pharmacies, Supermarkets went a step further to make out to as many customers as possible, they have also introduced an option to all curfew reputed online pharmacy chain to supply while catering to a broad spectrum of it more convenient for their customers also initiated deliveries through a reputed passholders to handover their grocery lists prescription medicines from 1 April 2020. everyday customer needs such as utility bill by reaching their doorstep using lorries cab service mobile application using their to any of their outlets, which will then be They also organise deliveries of Laugfs Gas payment facilities, and providing continued loaded with essentials. This initiative was supermarket located in Pepiliyana. prepared by the staff and delivered to their through selected supermarkets. All of these convenience to its customers. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, April 12, 2020 MONEY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Many a time, we may have heard our parents and grandparents reminiscing about the past saying that just over 50 years ago in Sri Lanka, a rupee was sufficient to buy a loaf of bread, milk, and eggs. Today, let alone a loaf of bread, a rupee cannot even buy you a toffee. In fact, Rs. 1 might soon become the new cent that is not used in financial transactions as it is rapidly losing its value. Last week, the Sri Lankan rupee fell to Rs. 200 against the US dollar for the first time in the country’s history. This was a rapid fall from Rs. 180 a month ago, providing a glimpse of possible further depreciation over the coming weeks. In 2020 alone, the rupee has depreciated by over 9% and we are only four months in. The figure reached last week was also a dubious milestone, as it came just 15 years since the rupee “scored its century”, in cricket parlance. Since 2005, the rate of depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar is over 100% as it fell to Rs. 200 from Rs. 100. The unwanted This has been mainly due to the considerable drop in the rupee’s value in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and during the first four months of 2020. In light of this, The Sunday Morning Business decided to delve into this 15-year- old downward spiral of the rupee’s value and the factors that influenced it. But firstly, why is the rupee’s value against the dollar so double century important? Why not measure its value against any other currency? issuances, the receipt of the foreign currency Simply put, it is because the US dollar is zThe Rupee’s 15-year journey to 200 term financing facility, and disbursement the reserve currency of the world. During of the third and the fourth tranches of the World War II, the US supplied the Allied in the US dollar losing its value during the week of June through end-August mainly of $ 1.9 billion by the CBSL on a net basis, International Monetary Fund’s Extended forces of Europe and the Commonwealth second half of 2010. due to an increase in import demand and the rupee recorded marginal depreciation of Fund Facility (EFF) which helped improve weapons, supplies, and other goods. It An appreciating currency makes imports the expectation of unwinding by foreign 2.42% during the first eight months of 2015. investor confidence. collected much of its payment for these cheaper, leading to more imports coming investors from the government securities However, on 3 September 2015, the This situation contributed towards the in gold, and by the end of the war, the US into the country while hampering exports. market in anticipation of the possible tapering CBSL decided to limit its intervention in stability of the rupee against the US dollar owned a vast majority of the world’s gold To ensure competitiveness of the export of the US bond buying programme. the domestic foreign exchange market and during the period from end-March to end- reserves. sector, the CBSL purchased foreign exchange However, from early September, the Sri allowed the exchange rate to be largely December 2017, even amongst some periods In 1944, delegates from 44 Allied from the domestic foreign exchange market. Lankan rupee began to appreciate against the determined by the demand and supply of gradual appreciation of the rupee amidst countries came up with a system to manage However, in the last quarter of 2010, the US dollar supported by an increase in inflows conditions of the market. This resulted in substantial absorption of foreign exchange foreign exchange called the Bretton Woods CBSL supplied foreign exchange to the to the banking sector and bond issuances by the Sri Lankan rupee depreciating by 6.64% liquidity by the CBSL. Agreement that would not put any country domestic foreign exchange market in order to NSB (National Savings Bank) and DFCC during the period from 4 September to end- With these developments, the rupee, which at an unfair disadvantage. This was a time ensure adequate foreign exchange liquidity Bank, strengthening market expectations 2015. depreciated by 1.28% in the first quarter of when the US economy was strong while the in the face of large outflows arising from the further. Overall, the rupee depreciated against 2017, recorded an overall depreciation of European economies were in ruins due to the settlement of petroleum bills. The Sri Lankan rupee remained relatively the US dollar by 9.03% to Rs. 144.06 as of 2% against the US dollar during the year war, thus giving the US increased bargaining The figure reached last week was also stable compared to many other currencies in end-2015. The annual average exchange from Rs. 149.80 at end-2016 to Rs. 152.85 power. a dubious milestone, as it came just the region, which suffered sharp depreciation rate of the rupee against the US dollar also at end-2017. In addition, the annual average It was decided that while the world’s 15 years since the rupee “scored its amidst concerns regarding the scaling back of depreciated to Rs. 135.94 in 2015 from Rs. exchange rate depreciated by 4.50% to Rs. currencies could not be linked to gold, they century”, in cricket parlance. Since the US quantitative easing (QE) programme. 130.56 in 2014. 152.46 against the US dollar in 2017. could be linked to the US dollar, which was 2005, the rate of depreciation of the The rupee depreciated only at a moderate 2016 2018 linked to gold. According to the Bretton rupee against the US dollar is over rate against the US dollar that year as by end Woods Agreement, central banks around 100% as it fell to Rs. 200 from Rs. 100 2013, it depreciated by 2.75%. In 2016, the annual average exchange rate The average annual exchange rate the world would maintain fixed exchange of the rupee against the US dollar was Rs. increased by almost Rs. 10 to Rs. 162.54, rates between their currencies and the dollar. Accordingly, during 2010, the CBSL 2014 145.60 compared to Rs. 135.94 the previous compared to 2017. During the first four Today, more than 61% of all foreign bank purchased $ 753 million from the domestic In 2014, the annual average exchange rate year. months, the influx of foreign exchange to the reserves are denominated in US dollars and foreign exchange market while supplying $ of the rupee was Rs. 130.56, an increase of The external value of the rupee continued domestic foreign exchange market enabled nearly 40% of the world’s debt is in dollars, 820 million, leading to a net supply of $ 67 Rs. 1.55, compared to that of 2013. to depreciate in 2016. The rupee, which the CBSL to absorb foreign exchange according to the International Monetary Fund million. The rupee appreciated at a relatively The Sri Lankan rupee appreciated against depreciated by 0.82% in the first half of the amounting to $ 459 million on a net basis. (IMF). higher rate against some other major the US dollar during the first three quarters year, depreciated at a higher rate of 3.04% in However, this favourable condition was 2005-2008 currencies during 2010. It appreciated against of the year, resulting in intervention by the the second half. reversed since May 2018 onwards, as a the euro by 10.95% and pound sterling by CBSL in order to avoid over-appreciation. The US dollar’s selling rate doubled in result of both external and domestic factors. During the period from 2005 to 2008, the 6.03%. The appreciation was mainly due to the last 15 years and this has been On the external front, the strengthening of average annual exchange rate went up to Rs. 2011 the increase in foreign exchange inflows mainly due to the considerable drop in the US economy prompted an increase in 108.33 in 2008 from Rs. 100.50 in 2005. in the form of export earnings, workers’ the rupee’s value in 2013, 2015, 2016, the policy rate of the Federal Reserve Bank, The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) In 2011, the annual average exchange rate remittances, and other financial inflows on 2017, 2018, and during the first four accompanied by the expectation of a number undertook some measures in between this was Rs. 110.57. The rupee appreciated by account of international sovereign bonds, months of 2020 of possible interest rate hikes for 2018 and period to cushion the impact of the exchange 1.23% against the US dollar in the first half government securities, foreign loans to the 2019. rate shooting up. Depreciation of the rate of of 2011, supported by substantial receipts on government, and also private sector and The relatively low depreciation of the The exchange rate was permitted to exchange in 2007 was moderated in 2007 due account of remittances, tourism, and inflows foreign investment in the Colombo Stock rupee in the first half was supported by the depreciate in line with market fundamentals, to an influx of a loan of $ 500 million and to the capital and financial account. Exchange (CSE). supply of foreign exchange liquidity by the while intervening in the domestic foreign increased worker remittances. However, it saw a slight depreciation of Accordingly, the rupee appreciated by CBSL, amounting to $ 1. 93 billion, on a exchange market by providing liquidity 0.54% during the third quarter of 2011 due 0.29% against the US dollar by the end of net basis. However, the rupee depreciated only to mitigate excessive volatility of the 2009 to demand pressure led by the sharp increase the third quarter of 2014. However, increased at a higher rate with the curtailment of exchange rate. This resulted in the CBSL The annual average exchange rate of a US in import expenditure. The depreciating import demand and net outflows associated intervention by the CBSL with a net supplying $ 1,120 million on a net basis to dollar rose to Rs. 114.94 in 2009, the year trend continued in November as the rupee with the government securities market absorption of $ 325 million during the second the foreign exchange market during 2018, when Sri Lanka ended its 26-year-long war. depreciated by 3%. Accordingly, by the end exerted pressure on the Sri Lankan rupee half of the year. while the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated It was a depreciation of Rs. 6.61 compared of 2011, the rupee’s depreciation rate against in the last quarter of 2014 to depreciate by A substantial amount of the foreign against the US dollar by 16.4% during the to the previous year. According to the the US dollar was 2.59% at Rs. 113.90. 0.47% against the US dollar, resulting in an exchange supplied during the second year. CBSL, this was due to the heavy demand for Meanwhile, the annual average exchange rate overall annual depreciation of 0.23%. half of the year was to partially ease the foreign exchange within Sri Lanka, driven against the US dollar in 2011 was Rs. 110.57 Accordingly, the year-end and annual pressure arising due to the disinvestment by 2019 by the repatriation of foreign investments compared to Rs. 113.06 in 2010. average exchange rates against the US non-resident investors in the government While the annual report of the CBSL for in government securities, settlement of dollar stood at Rs. 131.05 and Rs. 130.56, securities market, particularly during the last the year of 2019 is yet to be released, the outstanding petroleum bills, and the severe 2012 respectively. The Sri Lankan rupee quarter of the year. selling rate of the US dollar was Rs. 183.33 drying of commercial financing sources in The annual average exchange rate in appreciated against all other major currencies This outflow from the government at the end of 2019. the first four months of 2009. As a result, the 2012 leapt by over Rs. 17, compared to the in 2014. The rupee appreciated against securities market was driven by the The selling rate of the US dollar was Rs. rupee depreciated gradually during the first previous year, to Rs. 127.60. This was mainly the Japanese yen by 13.48%, the euro by expectation and the subsequent increase in 184.63 in the beginning of the year, and it four months of 2009 and it even hit its then due to the settling of a portion of petroleum 13.19%, the pound sterling by 5.65%, and interest rates by the US Federal Reserve reported a considerable drop to Rs. 176 in lowest level of Rs. 120.25 against the US import bills during the first few months of against the Indian rupee by 2.13%. Bank. Throughout the year, with these April, before the Easter Sunday attacks. dollar, a few days after the Sinhala and Tamil the year. developments, the rupee depreciated by Since then, it remained well below the Rs. New Year. Following this, the CBSL adopted several 2015 3.83% against the dollar from Rs. 144.06 as 180 level until mid-August and picked up to However, as the civil war came to an measures to prevent any further excessive This year, the annual average exchange at end-2015 to Rs. 149.80 as at end-2016. the Rs. 181-183 range during the latter part of end in May 2009, capital inflows to the fluctuations in the exchange rate market. rate of the rupee was Rs. 135.94, an increase the year. country rose along with increased investor Accordingly, restrictions on forward of over Rs. 5 compared to the previous year’s 2017 Following double-digit depreciation a confidence, and the rupee appreciated to Rs. contracts and tightening limits on net open rate. The rupee continued its increasing average year ago, the Sri Lankan rupee appreciated 114.93 against the US dollar by end-May. positions (NOPs) of commercial banks were The rupee remained broadly stable annual exchange rate of Rs. 152.46 against by 0.6% against the US dollar in 2019, The exchange rate continued to hover imposed; nevertheless, the rupee depreciated during the first eight months of 2015, but the US dollar, with it dropping in 2017 too. outperforming several Asian currencies around Rs. 114.80 until the end of October by 14.56% against the US dollar in the first depreciated substantially thereafter as a The significant depreciation pressure on including the Pakistani rupee, Vietnamese 2009, but strong external sector performance half of 2012. result of CBSL’s decision to allow greater the rupee that prevailed, particularly during dong, and Indian rupee. during the latter part of the fourth quarter, However, with increased foreign inflows flexibility in the determination of the the first two months of 2017 due to continued including investments in Treasury bills to the country during the second half of exchange rate. outflows stemming from import expenditure, So far in 2020 and bonds and the issuance of the second 2012, the rupee gained value and appreciated The lower-than-expected foreign exchange debt service payments, and unwinding of The rupee has depreciated so far by over sovereign bond of $ 500 million, further by 4.83% against the US dollar. Overall, inflows, coupled with high levels of outflows, foreign investments in the government 9.4% with the selling rate of the US dollar appreciated the rupee. the rupee depreciated against the US dollar exerted significant pressure on the exchange securities market, necessitated the CBSL passing Rs. 200 last week for the first time. However, by the end of 2009, the rupee by 10.43% during 2012. Due to the rupee rate during the year. This was mainly due to supply foreign currency liquidity to the The rupee opened the year at Rs. 183.15 was Rs. 114.38 and it recorded an overall depreciation, expenditure on motor vehicle to the reversal of foreign investments in domestic foreign exchange market to defend against the US dollar, which hovered around depreciation of 1.09% that year. imports declined by 43.8% to $ 495 million the government rupee securities market in the external value of the Sri Lankan rupee. the same level until mid-March. in 2012. anticipation of and the subsequent hike in However, this situation turned around from The rupee depreciated sharply since 2010 interest rates in the US, and the high level March 2017, particularly with higher foreign the third week of March, driven by the The annual average exchange rate in the 2013 of demand for foreign exchange due to investments in the CSE and the government identification of the first Sri Lankan year 2010 was Rs. 113.06, a reduction of The annual average exchange rate of the increased expenditure on non-oil imports and securities market and the increased coronavirus (Covid-19) patient inside the Rs. 1.88 compared to the previous year. rupee against the US dollar was Rs. 129.11 foreign debt service payments. conversion of export proceeds, which country and the spread of the virus in several The rupee continued to appreciate gradually compared to Rs. 127.64 the previous year. This resulted in persistent depreciation provided an opportunity for CBSL to absorb parts of the island. against the US dollar in the face of significant Since January 2013 through early June pressure on the rupee, thereby necessitating foreign exchange liquidity from the market. However, given that the current Covid-19 inflows during the first nine months of the 2013, the rupee appreciated marginally continuous intervention of the CBSL in the The depreciation pressure on the rupee global pandemic is taking over the world, year. However, the recovery of commodity by 0.55% against the US dollar, while it domestic foreign exchange market in order further eased gradually from May onwards, currencies the world over are depreciating prices in the international markets resulted depreciated by 5.01% during the second to reduce volatility. Supported by the supply with International Sovereign Bond (ISB) amidst economic slowdown driven by it. 6 the sunday morning business PLANTATIONS/AGILITY Sunday, April 12, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA Amidst worldwide measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 through the promotion of physical distancing and the Three cups a day implementation of nationwide lockdowns and curfews, one question that is being asked these days is “how can humans strengthen their immune systems to fight Covid-19?”. keeps the virus away? While various attempts have been made across the globe in search of therapeutic options exploring antiviral agents to treat zThe ambitious plan to position Ceylon Tea as a corona protector patients affected by Covid-19, there is no definitive way to prevent or manage the doctors around the world advise people to that is connected with the health benefits. damage caused by the virus. However, cut down on soft drink and cold beverage In tea freshness and the purity of origin, recent studies conducted in Taiwan and consumption, Ceylon tea is an ideal all of these factors are directly connected China showcase that compounds found in substitute, encouraging people to drink up to the antioxidant richness of the tea. So black tea help boost the immune system to three cups of tea per day. what we have always stood for as a Sri and could be a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 According to Dilmah Ceylon Tea Lankan company is offering pure Ceylon (Covid-19) compound. Company PLC CEO Dilhan Fernando, tea, packed fresh and supplied directly Tea is also one of Sri Lanka’s main the health benefits of tea are nothing new to international consumers, while always exports, with 99% of the country’s to them, as for centuries tea has been being based on the knowledge that tea production being geared towards black known for its unique levels of antioxidants not only has great flavour, but also has tea and the remainder towards green tea. and was first known as a medicine. He incredible potency in human health,” Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, explained that what is new is the research Fernando explained. Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) Global done by India, which was then further Furthermore, It is notable that during a Campaign Consultant Hasitha De Alwis validated by another research study meeting with Chinese Ambassador Cheng stated that Sri Lanka produces about 300- in Taiwan, that there is a very strong Xueyuan on 6 February, at the height of the 310 million kilogrammes of black tea each possibility that theaflavins may inhibit epidemic in China, Sri Lankan President year, out of which the country exports 280- Covid-19 in the lungs. Gotabaya Rajapaksa gifted a consignment 290 million kilogrammes. “What the Government is proposing to of Ceylon black tea to China to fight the He explained that all of the country’s do makes eminent sense because tea has epidemic as a gesture of goodwill. tea export markets involve black tea; these The research also stated that in addition is no scientific basis to the claim that any always been a beverage that has equally SLTB Global Campaign Consultant De markets include countries in Western Asia, to theaflavins, the other chemicals available kind of tea could cure or prevent Covid-19 been about pleasure and wellness. And Alwis explained that the SLTB with the parts of North Africa, parts of the Middle in tea viz. catechins, methylxanthines infections. The fact-check article quotes today, there is nothing more relevant to assistance of the Sri Lankan Ministry of East, and more recently China. He went on (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine) Medical Research Institute Sri Lanka wellness in any food or beverage category. Foreign Affairs has currently used the 67 to state that even the US is a good market have also showcased antiviral activity in (MRI) Director Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara Therefore, where our country’s tea and Sri Lankan foreign missions around the for black tea where 85% of the market previous studies. as having told AFP that while tea may cinnamon are concerned, we need to be world to reach out to those countries. He deals with black tea while 15% deals with According to the research, these strengthen immunity, there is “no research” expressing these benefits because these are went on to state that they sent all their green tea. broad spectra of antiviral activity of on the benefits of drinking tea for Covid- what make our products unique,” he said. scientific data, tabloids, and media releases On 27 March, the Tea Research Institute the compounds found in black tea 19 patients. to the missions to post on their websites of Sri Lanka (TRI) together with the could also be seen as effective against “While drinking tea can be beneficial and social media accounts such as Twitter, SLTB released a paper themed “Antiviral several influenza viruses, which are also for one’s health, it cannot be touted as and are currently in the process of pushing properties of tea: Black tea may become respiratory diseases similar to Covid-19, a preventive measure or a treatment in What the Government is proposing social media clips through their advertising the unique brew of choice with no side as showcased in other studies. It goes on to the case of Covid-19. The only way to to do makes eminent sense because agencies. effects to fight against coronavirus?”, state that this suggests that tea might be a minimise infection, as recognised by other tea has always been a beverage that According to De Alwis, Sri Lanka’s highlighting research done on the effects promising source of antiviral compounds international health agencies, is social has equally been about pleasure and two competitors in black tea are facing of black tea when it comes to fighting the in the prevention and therapeutic aspects distancing, following proper hand hygiene, wellness. And today, there is nothing their own issues, giving the country the Covid-19 virus. against influenza and that group of viruses. and refraining from touching one’s eyes, more relevant to wellness in any food opportunity to bridge the gap they have Preliminary results of the research However, information on antiviral activity mouth, and nose,” Dr. Bandara had said. or beverage category created. suggested that out of the 64 compounds of black tea against SARS-CoV-2 is not The article goes on to say that Sri Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company CEO Taking India as his first example, studied, one component – theaflavin – clear yet, but that theaflavin has emerged Lankan Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Dilhan Fernando De Alwis explained that it is one of was selected as the prime candidate for as a promising candidate to inhibit RdRp Registrar of Community Medicine Dr. Sri Lanka’s biggest competitors and is developing a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor activity of the virus is a matter of fact. Ashan Pathirana and a spokesperson for currently on lockdown till 21 April; it may targeting RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA the National Science Foundation of Sri Fernando explained that they reviewed even take a few more weeks for them to polymerase). These inhibitors could Lanka had also refuted the claim. the first part of the marketing campaign normalise their trade, meaning that no tea theoretically be used to prevent the However, following the release of the last week (9) and that it was a digitally would be coming out of India for the entire multiplication of the virus inside the human The circumstantial evidence available TRI research, the SLTB devised a plan focused campaign, which had then been month of April. body. undoubtedly indicates that consuming to promote Ceylon black tea globally as refined to fit financial constraints and He then stated that while another Theaflavin is an antioxidant polyphenol at least a few cups of hot black tea a an authentic premium wellness drink that was going to be good enough to attract competitor, Africa, is one of the countries formed during the fermentation process day will help curb Covid-19. I must could prevent Covid-19 infections by international markets. He went on to state least affected by the virus, their biggest black tea is subjected to. In comparison to also say that drinking tea is not a improving the immune system. that the campaign is expected to be out in importing countries such as Pakistan, green tea which does not go through the prescribed drug for Covid-19; it is just The strategy was formulated by SLTB the next two to three weeks and is hoping Egypt, and the UK are having problems. fermentation process, black tea is richer in a good habit to boost your immune Chairman Jayampathi Molligoda in order to have a quick response in terms of budget “Despite all the issues we are facing, we theaflavins. system to boost the popularity of Ceylon tea in approvals. are doing fine compared to so many other “The circumstantial evidence available TRI Director Dr. Saman Hettiarachchi international markets and bring in foreign While there are no analytics to show countries. So if we can start supplying and undoubtedly indicates that consuming at exchange which is desperately needed by the amount of interest garnered by the try to close the gap created by these other least a few cups of hot black tea a day will Sri Lanka’s coronavirus-hit economy. findings, Fernando stated that what is countries, we can make an opportunity out help curb the effects of Covid-19. I must Dr. Hettiarachchi stated that the best Molligoda stated that they planned to happening around the world is a general of this bad situation,” he noted. also say that drinking tea is not a prescribed way to drink black tea is when it’s hot, go for a campaign that promoted tea as a acknowledgement that tea is good for one’s While there is not yet robust scientific drug for Covid-19; it is just a good habit as the Covid-19 virus does not sustain at wellness range, while looking at Germany, health. He explained that around five to evidence specifically around the effects to boost your immune system,” said TRI temperatures higher than 30°C to 36°C. He which is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest black six weeks ago, Dilmah put out tutorials of black tea on the immune system and Director Dr. Saman Hettiarachchi. explained that the thermal effect will be an tea markets, for the campaign. He went on explaining the health benefits of tea that aid its relationship to Covid-19, taking some However Dr. Hettiarachchi stated that addition to the already existing antiviral to state that the SLTB is planning to export the immune system. specific supplements may improve your these results are yet to be confirmed in vivo properties of black tea. black tea to Egypt, Pakistan, and the UK at “There is a lot of potency where tea overall health and is not likely to be studies before they could be translated into However, a fact check conducted by the moment, along with other products. and human health are concerned; so our harmful if taken as directed by medical clinical benefits. AFP in late March concluded that there He also added that at a time where focus has always been on quality because professionals.

Rubber auction resumes after IFC hails PickMe’s agility during crises The International Finance new economy and a new way of a month at Ceylon Chamber Corporation (IFC), the largest life to emerge,” elaborated Jiffry. The Colombo Rubber global development institution “This has been a significant Traders’ Association and a member of the World partnership between a (CRTA), with the approval Bank Group, hailed PickMe’s government institution and of the Government and agility in crisis response and PicKMe. We both worked the Ministry of Health its effective, safe, and reliable tirelessly and catered and rose and Indigenous Medical essential item delivery service to the challenge despite fear of Services, commenced its under lockdown. Covid-19. As the Chairman, weekly auctions beginning PickMe was one of the first I am appreciating both teams with one auction per week to step forward to deliver for pulling this partnership at the Ceylon Chamber of essentials to many under within two days from concept Commerce (CCC) on 9 lockdown. The company to execution,” commented April 2020 at 2 p.m. worked with local police gas cylinders to grocery packs. undertook strict adherence to Lanka Sathosa Chairman This was the first rubber stations to obtain the necessary And by quickly setting up an protocols and measures given Nushad Perera. Lanka Sathosa auction since 13 March clearance for their drivers and emergency hotline, PickMe by authorities in safeguarding is the country’s largest State- 2020, as the auction which trained drivers on adopting has also been able to meet the our employees, drivers, and run retail chain that partnered Rubber auction in session at CCC auditorium was scheduled for 17 March stringent physical distancing needs of medical staff who customers,” commented Jiffry. with PickMe in distributing 2020 did not take place due representatives had with samples and the auction and preventive measures to needed to get to hospitals. PickMe was in an ideal place everyday essentials. to the Government-imposed Presidential Task Force process. ensure the health and safety of PickMe CEO Zulfer Jiffry to respond to the crisis, given PickMe is renowned for its curfew. Chairman Basil Rajapaksa The Ministry of all involved. revealed how quickly they its readily available technology, exceptional track record of The quantities on offer on 4 April 2020, with a Plantation Industries PickMe used its technology- mobilised their resources infrastructure, and insights into responding effectively and at the 9 April 2020 auction view to revive the industry and Export Agriculture enabled business model to and took measures to raise mobility across the country. rapidly during crises. During were latex/skim/scrap and support all stakeholders facilitated this initiative by change gear overnight from a proper awareness amongst “We knew we could provide the devastating floods in 2017, crepe at 298,650 kg and amidst the prevailing requesting the respective rider hailing and food delivery driver partners, passengers, the country with a better PickMe used their technology RSS (ribbed smoked sheet) situation in the face of the authorities to assist the company to an essential items merchants, and customers. solution of getting goods to assist the military in rescue at 26,971 kg, excluding Covid-19 pandemic. rubber sector and its delivery service during the “The health and wellbeing to customers as opposed to efforts by mobilising boats. re-prints from the last The brokers, traders, supply chain to allow ongoing Covid-19 crisis. The of our driver partners and customers going out. And First launched in 2015, auction held on 13 March and buyers of rubber were commencement of work company’s services initially customers is paramount. with the assistance of the PickMe has grown to become 2020. requested by the CRTA and obtain curfew passes started off in the country’s Hence, we implemented Government, we were able to a leading technology-enabled The highest price paid for to strictly adhere to the without disturbances. commercial capital, Colombo, contactless payment options ensure essential goods were rider hailing service company latex crepe 1X amounted to guidelines on Covid- The CRTA wishes to and soon expanded into other and provided hand sanitiser delivered to customers on a in Sri Lanka and soon branched Rs. 350 per kg. RSS grades 19 preparedness for the continue the auctions with areas across the nation. and face masks to all drivers daily basis. out to cargo and food delivery. remained unquoted. workplace (rubber auction) one sale per week and will During the first week, as soon as the Covid-19 “The world may see a new The company has invested in Approval to conduct the specified by the Ministry resume to two sales per PickMe mobilised over 1,000 threat first appeared in Sri economy emerging, and it is data science to gather insights weekly rubber auctions of Health and Indigenous week once the prevailing drivers to make more than Lanka. We rallied our entire technology and the spirit of to connect the online and offline were granted subsequent Medical Services during situation in the country 7,000 delivery runs, delivering organisation around the theme humans to survive and push worlds to facilitate reliable and to a discussion the industry the grading of rubber returns to normalcy. items ranging from cooking of #safetyfirst, where we boundaries that will enable a fast-paced services. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, April 12, 2020 CONSUMER

BY SAMEERA JAYATHILAKA AND SUMITH DE SILVA The novel coronavirus (Covid-19), which originated from the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019, has badly affected the world economy in many ways as several The Sri Lankan countries have temporarily shut down their industries and begun heavily investing on the health sector to overcome this issue. The pandemic presents a number of challenges for consumers, brands, and policymakers around the Covid-19 consumer world. zHow this crisis is changing buying patterns and behaviours Sri Lankan consumers and brands them to select and evaluate products. too have become a victim of this crisis CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING PROCESS PRE-COVID-19 ACTIONS COVID-19 ACTIONS POST-COVID-19 ACTIONS It was highlighted that many consumers following the decision made by the Identified the real need through Need was backed up by the situational Identify the real need and act were not aware of the nature of goods, NEED RECOGNITION Government to lockdown the country problem identification and emotional factors accordingly available storage facilities in their homes, from mid-March 2020. This decision has their eating capacity, expiry dates, and impacted both the consumer and the seller. Search information on all 4Ps Highly concerned about where the Will search both online and other evaluation criteria when they were In this backdrop, this article attempts to INFORMATION SEARCH through both online and offline products are available offline sources while prioritising buying products. discuss the role of the Government, the sources online sources influence of technology, and the marketers’ Post-Covid-19 consumer More sophisticated as lots of No more alternatives and have limited Moderate sophistication role and its effect on the Sri Lankan EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES With this experience, the following consumer’s decision-making process. alternatives are available time available for evaluation consumer characteristics could be expected Lengthy and more sophisticated Panicked and quick decisions Relatively short and less in post-Covid-19 consumer behaviour: Role of the Government BUYING DECISIONS sophisticated There will be increased emphasis by both The Sri Lankan Government is playing businesses and consumers on innovative Had more room to switch to Limited opportunity to take actions Both digital and physical a significant role by taking every possible POST-PURCHASE EVALUATION strategies and tactics for the distribution preventive action to overcome the alternatives and evaluate again alternatives are available of goods and services. Some products challenge, together with the military forces, and services that will have high potential health sector professionals, and other in the country, which is 149% of the The role of small-scale retailers was sector professionals for self-protection will be medical services, home delivery relevant authorities. Their immediate action population. The total of internet users in significant during the crisis as they of people and public security at large. of essential consumer goods, online was to impose islandwide curfew, and this Sri Lanka is around 10.10 million and 6.4 were actively involved in the process People were advised to keep their distance, education, virtual business consultancy, decision was announced just a few hours million people are accessing social media. of delivering goods to their consumers’ wear masks, wash their hands, etc.; these and working from home before imposing the curfew. This provides enormous potential for doorsteps. Especially government retailers practices were new to the Sri Lankan The post-Covid-19 consumer may be This (decision) panicked the consumers innovations in the delivery of goods and like Sathosa and Co-operative Societies consumer culture and lots of consumers looking for business organisations that and they tried to take immediate action by services. Yet, out of this 7.16 million, only were actively involved in the process were seen in the marketplace without are more ethical in following marketing (panic) buying essential goods and trying a very few are using online platforms for of providing a considerable service – following this health advice. practices to stock up for future needs. Meanwhile, trade and commerce. even more than expected by consumers. The Sri Lankan consumer could be all retailers were stocked up and busy However, there was a trend of opening However, some complaints were levelled Household economy and expected to be more inclined towards selling their goods to the consumers. new online shops and existing retailers against them too for their assortment pack purchasing power preferring local products. Small and However, this was not approved by the entering the virtual platform to provide of essential goods not being of value for The present situation has badly hit the medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to health officials as they observed that online services through their websites. money. household economy and the purchasing be optimistic to exploit this as an advantage the consumers were not practising the There were also a number of malpractices The role of small-scale retailers power of Sri Lankan consumers. The to promote local products recommended health practices in this recorded related to online selling, as was significant during the crisis as majority of the workforce represents the Consumers would become less crucial situation. some of the reputed online shops were they were actively involved in the private sector and daily wage earners. sophisticated than the pre-Covid-19 era as Thereafter, the Government decided overcharging the consumers and taking process of delivering goods to their Therefore, daily wage earning employees they tended to make panicked decisions to lift the curfew on a regional basis and advantage of them due to this critical consumers’ doorsteps. Especially are in deep trouble due to the islandwide during the Covid-19 period and there will consumers were given about six hours to situation. Those opportunistic sellers were government retailers like Sathosa curfew. be a shortened buying process than the pre- purchase goods and fulfil other essential highly criticised by Sri Lankan consumers and Co-operative Societies were Three types of consumer categories Covid-19 era services. It was observed that the social through social media platforms and actively involved in the process of can be identified based on their economic Consumers may tend to believe distancing instructions given by the were complained about to the relevant providing a considerable service power: government and small-scale retailers over officials were practised only in some government authorities. – even more than expected by 1. Consumers who have money but cannot large-scale private retailers as they were places such as supermarkets and banks. In this technology diffusion, even the consumers purchase since the products are not actively served by the former channels In other places, however, people seemed laggards who were reluctant to adopt available than large-scale retailers as a result of their to have ignored the given instructions and new technologies finally had to use It is crucial to understand the 2. Consumers who want to buy products emotional buying decisions the authorities were not able to control the innovative technological tactics to fulfil contribution as well as the enormous but the money is in their bank accounts consumers. their needs and wants. The challenge of potential of the Co-operative Societies 3. Consumers who do not have money in Summary Therefore, the Government then social distancing also paved the path for in the country. Co-operatives have hand or in their bank accounts Covid-19 has massively impacted decided to deliver the essential goods to new service innovations. If this trend membership in the country more than Beggars and helpless people are also Sri Lankan consumer behaviour. The consumers’ doorsteps using government- continues, we could expect significant any other business organisation; there are suffering due to this situation as all towns consumers are shifting from physical owned retailers. This was a good decision, advancements and changes in product around 300 multipurpose Co-operative and roads are empty. Additionally, some purchasing towards online purchasing. although the process is yet to be improved and service distribution strategies and Societies in the country with a membership people are spending more on buying goods The consumer buying process as well with an efficient mechanism to reach the business organisation tactics. For example, of thousands. They possess the best without a proper plan or considering the as the decision-making process have consumers in different areas. Nevertheless, the distribution of medicines, consumer distribution channel in terms of physical future need of money. shortened due to the high demand for the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) goods, and medical advisory services could assets and human resources. However, goods and the lack of availability of was actively involved in protecting be highlighted. Another important aspect they lack digital marketing skills and Consumer buying decision these goods or alternatives. Moreover, consumer rights and taking legal action of the home delivery system of essential competencies to make their presence more The buying decisions of Sri Lankan consumer overdemand for goods can against consumer rights violators. consumer goods is that it has made the Sri effective than any other business model. consumers are dependent on a certain be seen due to uncertainty and has Recently, the Government made a Lankan consumer understand the price As there is a growing trend among Sri “panic nature”. Similar to other countries, created “panic buying behaviour” among decision to restrict a host of non-essential advantages compared with the consumer Lankan consumers to manufacture or supermarkets in Sri Lanka too are filled consumers. imports such as medicine and fuel, which buying behaviour at modern supermarkets. grow our products locally, co-operatives with busy consumers (not during the As only a limited number of brands are will greatly impact consumer buying could be the best business model to curfew). Theoretically, the consumer actively serving their customers during behaviour in the future. These practices Role of brands and marketing fulfil consumer demand, especially buying process is lengthy, involving this pandemic situation, they should act led to the eyes of the Sri Lankan consumer Brands and marketers have to play a vital for daily needs. As a national strategy, different stages such as need recognition responsibly to retain their loyal customers. being opened to assess the ethical business role in overcoming the present crisis by co-operatives need to be strengthened to › information search › evaluation of Therefore, brands have to come up with practices of business organisations and serving and caring for their customers more gain scale advantages by restructuring the alternatives › purchase › post-purchase consumer-centric approaches to maximise other traders. In a more competitive than ever before. The situation has created business model. Furthermore, there are evaluation. But in the current situation, their opportunities in the market and business world, in the local context, a sudden increase in demand along with nearly 13,000 Sanasa Thrift and Credit the consumer buying process is limited focus on more CSR (corporate social business ethics are severely challenged, the imposition of many restrictions which Co-operative Societies in Sri Lanka, with to information search › purchase › post- responsibility) projects to win consumer hence marketers need to be ethical more have challenged consumer behaviour. more than 70% of the membership of these purchase evaluation, as most of the minds. However, there are some customer- than ever in serving the consumer, as this Therefore, the distribution of both products Co-operative Societies representing the time, they (consumers) are not buying oriented services that are still not available seems to have created a new directional and services plays a more significant role rural village community which lacks digital based on their real needs but are buying in the market due to the impossible nature dimension in trade and commerce in Sri than advertising and sales promotions as knowhow. and stocking up for the fear of scarcity. of their services in such a situation, such Lanka. there is no reason to worry about consumer Therefore, if the Sanasa Thrift and Credit They don’t have enough time to evaluate as beauty salons and the entertainment demand. Co-operative Societies are guided for a competitors and compare goods with one industry. Technological impact Unfortunately, only a few reputed digital transformation, the local economy another due to the rush in supermarkets Finally, the Government and private As a solution for social distancing brands were seen serving actively in the could be boosted through effective and the limited time given for them to sector organisations should have a proper recommended by health experts, market while others were invisible. Some communication strategies with co-operative shop. distribution plan to reach their consumers technology can play a major role in this popular brands such as certain mobile business organisations. Among the possible This is a significant change of the Sri efficiently. Policymakers too should devise kind of a situation by creating a common service providers, leasing companies, strategies, Co-operative Societies could Lankan consumer behaviour as their a proper plan to face the present crisis, the platform to connect the buyer and seller and other essential goods providers were raise awareness among the co-operative buying process and decision-making after-crisis situation, and possible future through online marketplaces. Online highly criticised by consumers for many membership of the new digital marketing process has shortened and consumer crises. shopping is not a new experience for urban different reasons. Large-scale retailers platforms and develop innovative dissonance is seen commonly as some (Sameera Jayathilaka is the Marketing consumers in Sri Lanka, but the rural closed their shops during the outbreak and distribution strategies for service delivery. traders are charging higher prices and Manager for Maga Neguma Road consumers are yet to adapt to the online gradually started operations after receiving selling low-quality products. However, Construction Equipment Company shopping experience. orders. However, the consumers are still Health and safety rules online buying has become a trend among and Sumith De Silva is the Marketing Market research studies show that complaining about their poor service and New health and safety rules and practices consumers as it’s less risky than physical Manager of Airport and Aviation Services there are 31.8 million mobile phones the lack of response via their hotlines. were introduced by government health buying, and also there is enough time for [Sri Lanka] Ltd.) CURRENT TRENDS IN THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC »SEE PAGE 5 #TRIPCANCELLED »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday, April 12, 2020 brunchBY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Kapila Rasnayaka is well known for his social work through the “Voices of Humans” organisation. As a Founder and Director of the organisation, he has worked tirelessly towards promoting a “genderless society”. As of recent, Kapila has found STOP considerable recognition as a social media personality creating content to promote his offline activities in encouraging youths to be environmentally conscious, which has also “RUMASSALAM” (2017), meditative soundscape installation for documenta 14 in allowed him to bring in a new dimension to Dornberg, Germany PHOTO ANGELO PLESSAS his work as a global advocator of sexuality, EXISTING gender, and human rights. However, his content is rather unconventional in that it is often comedic and satirical and left for the audience’s Art amidst interpretation. Recently, Kapila shared a video where he declared he would no longer AND START continue to create such content as it has been brought to his attention that this particular type of content is affecting his “legitimacy” chaos as an educated professional raising Imaad Majeed on ‘On(line) Healing’ awareness on important issues in society. BY CHENELLE FERNANDO conflict and healing. Having The video, of course, was dripping garnered most exposure whilst with sarcasm and served as somewhat embarking upon their journey of a criticism to his critics. However, as In the wake of the unfortunate Covid-19 outbreak, as a journalist nearing 10 years, the video proceeds, he mentions that he Majeed currently creates content in that particular way with a LIVING Art Dubai, a leading international art works as the Social deeper understanding of the subject matter A chat with Kapila Rasnayaka Media Manager at the and that there is rhyme and reason to his fair, was required to postpone its event this Museum of Modern methods; he further declared that he is not and Contemporary Art in fact “abusing substances” or “mentally year, similar to every other major event Sri Lanka. unstable”. On 23 March, The Sunday Morning Brunch caught which was scheduled during this time of Art Dubai opened its up with Kapila to discuss the true intentions digitally modified behind his content, his “clap back” to his the year. The event Imaad Majeed which was to feature event, dissecting haters, and what he as a content creator and the usual virtual viewing social worker has to say about our shared an onsite and online programme nevertheless succeeded with the room experience into three experience of the current global pandemic components: an online catalogue and how best to deal with it. latter with its online exhibit titled “On(line) Healing”, curated by of over 500 artworks, a global Marina Fokidis. art forum live-broadcast, Critics will be critics and an online performance Kicking things off, Kapila got straight The Sunday Morning programme — On(line) to the point, speaking of his response video Brunch was intrigued to find Healing — curated by Athens- setting the backdrop for his newfound fame out that this year’s online event based Marina Fokidis. The on social media as an “influencer”. He also features the creation of selected artists who performed spoke about the Instagram clip on his profile a poet and performance artist were Bahar Noorizadeh (Iran), showing him smelling a jasmine plant; it based in Colombo – none Angelo Plessas (Greece), Tabita went viral resulting in memes and various other than Imaad Majeed. Rezaire (French Guiana), Tiago other satirical reproductions of his clip. Where performance art is Sant’Ana (Brazil), and Imaad Since then, he has shared similar content concerned, Majeed ventures Majeed (Sri Lanka). where he is interacting with nature. into identity, language, late- We caught up with Majeed “I have got many positive responses stage capitalism, commodity for a chat. to my videos; I get messages from boys fetishism, sacred space, who say they are hugging trees, having a xenophobia, and ethnoreligious ││Contd. on page 2 positive uplifting time with nature, and I got a message recently from a girl who is now growing kakiri and has a small crop of it,” he shared, all of which has been in response to the messaging in his videos, which is never direct but it’s quite obvious to anyone who pays attention: Protect the environment and embrace the agricultural way. “Sri Lankans are surrounded by nature, but they are not connected to it,” Kapila shared, stating that his goal is to encourage people to look beyond their limitations and turn to nature for comfort. “REVERY” (2016), conceptual poetry installation, exhibited at Colomboscope: ││Contd. on page 2 Testing Grounds, in Colombo, Sri Lanka PHOTO RUVIN DE SILVA

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

The Government-imposed curfew, amongst many things, has been dull. Most of us have been lounging around The flying choon paan at home, slowly losing our minds to the all-consuming numbness of A masterpiece in the time of curfew courtesy monotony and endless social media scrolling. of Colombo Creative Union However, recently, while going about your daily exploration of the collective known as the Colombo The workings of CCU He shared that internet, you may have come across Creative Union (CCU). The CCU The Sunday Morning Brunch through their Instagram an oddly endearing piece of content – was founded by a once ad agency spoke to Johann Latiff from CCU, page, they have been the ridiculously cuckoo but somehow creative which noticed the shift from who shared that the CCU’s mission able to identify a pool incredibly relevant “choon paan” mainstream media to digital and social is to showcase the work of talented of talent that’s been video. media, believing Instagram, TikTok, Sri Lankan creatives and harness this able to take on any If you’ve not been blessed with the and Behance to be the new galleries talent on behalf of brands trying to project from branding glorious visual that is the flying choon for Sri Lanka’s next generation of connect with consumers in this digital to packaging, paan across Sri Lanka’s suburbs, then creatives. age. illustration, video, let us briefly set the scene: You hear CCU is a collective of persons and drone footage to animation and the electronic monotone version of from varying artistic fields, such as Beethoven’s Für Elise – something illustrators, animators, photographers, photography. Most all Sri Lankans are most familiar with The choon paan guys and content creators. According to of the work is done – and then you witness the majestic usually ruin your Sunday Johann, the way they function is, to remotely, but they do three-wheeler steer its way amidst the afternoon nap, but these their belief, the ideal way for creatives have a physical office high-rise buildings of the city, flying days people are chasing to function. “The way people work where creatives can over rooftops into the distance. Simple is changing and this is especially come in and work side by side with yet satisfying. them down the street just to true for creative people who do their the collective to develop content for The few-seconds-long video clip, get a maalu paan best work outside your typical office brands. which soon went viral, was created Johann Latiff environment,” he said. ││Contd. on page 2 and uploaded on Instagram by the 2 the sunday morning brunch ARTS Sunday, April 12, 2020

like 1,000 or 2,000 views maximum, but when I smell flowers and talk to animals and tell the story in a different way, people watch that...that is how you send a message – it is icing around the medicine,” he The flying ... emphasised. The way Kapila approaches his content Contd. from page 1 is, according to him, authentic. “You see people on the television with makeup, but they are not the real person (they portray). The CCU is said to have started in But in my videos, I have no makeup, I have 2018. However, Johann shared that their no lights – it is totally authentic. It is the first year was spent identifying creative real thing and the audience responds well talent and building the CCU brand. In the to that type of content because everyone latter half of 2019, they had partnered with can relate,” Kapila pointed out. a production house from India and begun developing content for the Indian market. ‘Deconstruct constructed Notably, they’ve done some work behaviour’ in this time of with McDowell’s whiskey and they’re pandemic also working on a menswear brand for the Kapila strongly believes that this Indian market. Furthermore, they hope to constructed world we live in has distracted launch a new brand of tea in the Russian us from our fundamentals. He said that we market soon. Kora Sanniya all live humdrum lives in a fantasy world Currently, CCU operates with a that is a construct, but with all this time we five-member team which includes graphic Stop existing... designers, content writers, and an editor/ have been given now, the present would be the perfect time to visit “the inside world”, animator who is currently in Italy – all Contd. from page 1 he is an experienced community social by which he means looking inwards by of whom have multiple skills; they worker with expertise in rights-based starting to practise mindfulness. shoot videos and stills and are also able advocacy and working with marginalised He believes that we must take this time to do their own edits and animations as As for the critics, he said: “Almost all groups. to self-reflect. He said that when you have necessary. the responses I get are positive except for a lot of time on your hands, it really leaves Johann shared that the way the CCU 0.1%,” which he believes is inevitable due space to bring out your inner creativity. works is that upon taking on a project, they would spend a lot of time trying to to the nature of the internet. “All this time, we have been driving You see people on the television with up a highway, but now we have been given understand the brand and its competitors. Lankan ‘artificial professionalism’ makeup, but they are not the real the opportunity to abandon the highway What makes the brand unique? What is its Referring to him having received person (they portray). But in my system and get back to the normal roads,” tone of voice? What makes it appealing criticism for being “foolish” or a videos, I have no makeup, I have no he said, adding that we should take a break to a potential customer? Having answered “comedian” along with the advice to lights – it is totally authentic. It is the from fast-paced mindless existence. these questions, they then define an idea true to the brand and execute the content stop creating comedic, indirect videos real thing and the audience responds “You are the centre of your universe. Hands and instead speak seriously in a way accordingly. well to that type of content because This is a more complex exercise, but you that while in this scenario, the CCU is suitable to his stature, he said that there everyone can relate can reshape your reality; even if you are Content creators during a crisis simply showcasing the talent of one of is an illusion in Lankan society; a kind restricted to four walls of concrete, you As he took us through the machinery their content creators; it could easily have of “artificial professionalism”. He added can be in the thickest of jungles. It doesn’t Kapila is an expert in choosing of the whole thing, he touched been turned into a great piece of content that we often get a hold of ideals from the matter who, where, or what you are...it is art-based approaches to address social a little on how content creators for a local bakery brand. West without fully grasping its meaning. all based on your perception,” he shared. issues. Being a playwright and director, should act in a time of global Finally, since the CCU is In our society, sure we can enjoy Most importantly, Kapila said that he has engaged in youth activism for crisis, especially when all fairly new and is looking to comedy, but we do not give value to while you engage in activities by which over a decade with a number of local and eyes are on them. “Creatives get its footing in the creative comedy and comics, he said, adding that you acquire knowledge and enrich you, international organisations including the and content creators need to industry, we asked Johann there is an underlying perception that they you must also strengthen your connections. United Nations (UN). Having completed be sensitive to what’s going what their plans are for the are foolish and therefore are not to be If you are spending your time under his Master’s in Sociology at the University on around them. In a global future moving forward; luckily taken seriously; in the West, comedians curfew with a partner, take time to talk to of Kerala, India, Kapila is currently survey of 35,000 consumers, too their current model appears form the backbone of communities. He each other and re-learn about one another – working as a gender consultant for SAPP 74% believed that brands to work perfectly with the said that after he posted his response reflect on when you first met, how you felt (Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships should not exploit the current situation we are all in right video to the critics, except for a single then, how you feel now, etc. Rekindle that Programme) implemented by the Ministry situation. It’s okay to entertain now. message, thousands of other responses he initial attraction. He also said it is important of Agriculture and Rural Development. and engage the consumer, just “Luckily, the work-from- received were positive, with some people for people to stay healthy and so they must His education and expertise don’t push the sale too hard,” home concept really works for even claiming they start their day with his exercise, but it doesn’t have to be a serious are certainly not in question and his he said. us and brands have increased videos. workout; dance around your space to confidence, quite frankly, is well founded. Of course, we brought up their presence on social media maintain your health. Sticker So he shared that because he happens to the now-famous choon paan platforms as a result of the Effective communication on Kapila said that what we are know what he is talking about, he has video and had to ask the rationale behind crisis,” he said. He also shared social media experiencing right now is actually resolved to be “as crazy as possible in my it. According to Johann, the video was a that they are working with some new Sharing that he is confident in “physical distancing rather than social videos” because that is what works. hit because of the irony of the situation. brands that hope to launch once the crisis the method he has chosen to share his distancing”, and that socially, we are Kapila shared that there has been more “The choon paan guys usually ruin your is over, and so the CCU definitely has their message, as he is not blindly creating able to connect more than ever before. direct and to-the-point content containing Sunday afternoon nap, but these days hands full. content, Kapila said: “The videos I Therefore, it is our responsibility to take a lot of valuable data and statistics, but people are chasing them down the street make, I make them with an educational charge of our lives and stop simply existing unfortunately such messages receive very just to get a maalu paan,” he said, adding @colombo.creative.union background.” This certainly rings true as little exposure and attention. “They will get and start living.

Contd. from page 1 As much as I’m explaining the process behind the work and what it means to me, it is always important to leave it open ÄÄ Art Dubai is a large-scale art to interpretation as well. I want people The video on the backdrop upon event which displays the who engage with it to take their own time which the three videos are placed work of individuals from with it and draw their own reactions, are back-ended by the actual around the world. To begin interpretations, impressions, etc. People had footage of the Covid-19 virus in read some minute details in very different culture. I wanted to have this very with, could you let us in on ways and that was fascinating to me as an scientific backdrop and in the how you were approached by artist. foreground, you see this very non- its organisers? scientific approach to coping How things like this usually work is ÄÄ You are seen to have Imaad Majeed that there is a curator and the curator is incorporated the rather involved in doing the research and sort of unique concept of ironic me in a way that I perceived that as a form shaping of the show. So if it’s an exhibition distancing into your project. of healing in the online space, that these or a publication, it is generally the curator How would you elucidate its women were taking part in. There is this who has the responsibility of creating a toxic abusive thing happening to them and framework for particular themes and would dynamics as an artist? they create this ironic distance and other research on artists who have been exploring Ironic distance is this way of employing women join in on that, and that becomes those themes within these mediums. humour; it is very common among those Still frame of “Please share my self-care” (2020) video performance for On(line) Healing; Art Dubai online who belong to Generation Z, where you’re a communal form of healing that happens In the case of this particular event, the performance programme courtesy the artist online. In my proposal, what I argued is that curator decided to do their research and doing something but you are doing it ironic distancing possibly does help people select artists who were already doing the ironically and that irony is apparent as heal, perhaps even more effectively, and that kind of work that they were interested in well, so you can get away with it. I was there is something to learn from the way exploring. It was in that process that the wondering why people do that and why Generation Z is doing that. curator – Fokidis – decided to reach out to Art amidst... they do it so much. Does it help in any way to address an issue where otherwise if you me. Most of the work she was interested ÄÄ Whilst TikTok appears to in and had selected was already created. So I thought to actually brew something, putting it in a teacup. were trying to do it very earnestly, honestly, but to choose something that has absolutely The second time I do it is like a month and in a straightforward manner, you might be a medium embraced by However in my case, I felt a particular a sizeable amount of the distance to my work that she was referring nothing to do with this. I chose ranawara later, and on the news they talk about be making yourself more vulnerable; and to, which was from 2017, because I had mal (Cassea- Auriculata) mostly because individuals coming through and being that can be not as appealing to people? world’s population, it is grown a bit since then and so didn’t feel it’s beautiful. quarantined. Responding to that, you see Ironic distancing garbs you in a way when seemingly disregarded by how there is a slight difference in how this you are expressing things. some. So why did you engage comfortable with that particular work being ÄÄ Your creation entails a rather used. ritual is helping me. with TikTok particularly, and unique video encompassing The third time you hear an inescapable ÄÄ How then does the act of I asked whether I could create new ironic distancing intertwine how did you incorporate it to work and then we had a conversation about three phases (this is an tone; set against that sound, I am engaging your work? in the ritual again. At this point, because the with that of “healing as what that could be. My initial idea was oversimplification). What was I proposed that I would immerse environment has shifted and the threat is so very different but eventually, while doing your thought process behind an artform”, which is the myself into TikTok, create a TikTok immediate, that distancing starts to falter. my research, I thought about this idea of it? underlying theme of your account, upload videos, and engage with The reality of Covid-19 comes in and you distancing in terms of ironic distancing. So the ritual was initially against online exhibit? other TikTok users over the course of two see the handshakes; the cup falls over, and the sound of a Sinhalese man in Wuhan I found that ironic distance was on to three months. And during that time, there is a sort of climax that happens there. ÄÄ What inspired you to create reporting back talking about what it’s like display a lot in online mediums such as I would create certain pieces. Initially However, I did not anticipate that Covid-19 “Please Share My Self Care” to live there at the time during the lockdown on Twitter and particularly TikTok. I was what I wanted to do was have my TikTok would become a pandemic-level threat (2020), or the tea ritual, they were facing. In the video, he’s particularly interested in this meme where itself as the artwork, so the account itself when I initially started the project. which you chose to display at explaining the situation and meanwhile, I’m mostly young women were using voicemails would resemble artwork. But as it went The video in the backdrop upon which distancing myself from that and brewing from their boyfriends or exes and in the on, it became more a part of the process On(line) Healing? the three videos are placed are back-ended this tea that is not going to help me at all. voicemail they are shouting at them; it’s to understand TikTok better. There were This was inspired by all the WhatsApp by the actual footage of the Covid-19 Even the process of brewing the tea is very abusive and toxic. But what the women around five different pieces and one of them messages I was getting from family and virus in culture. I wanted to have this very completely wrong. You are supposed to were doing was that they were playing that was this tea ritual. And then I decided to WhatsApp groups that shared things you scientific backdrop and in the foreground, put it in a pot and add water and bring it to audio and over that they were dancing, from focus on the tea ritual and frame it in the should consume during this time. A lot of you see this very non-scientific approach to a boil. But it wouldn’t have been beautiful. this complete ironic distance. It created way TikTok videos are framed; that’s why them were very well intentioned, but the coping. efficacy or science behind it was dubious. I’m trying to take this aesthetic approach by this effect that was really fascinating to they are all portrait oriented.

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, April 12, 2020 TRAVEL #TripCancelled What’s travel looking like during the pandemic? BY DIMITRI WIJESINGHE While all corners of the world have been affected and no industry has been left untouched by the pandemic, the travel industry could arguably be said to have suffered the most. With the only way to get the situation under control being social distancing, there has essentially been a worldwide travel ban as far as the tourism, hospitality, and travel industries are concerned. Just only a few months ago, travel was the hottest thing around; travel bloggers were popping up every which way you looked, offers were being made by hotels and restaurants, and travel packages were offered to encourage young people to travel more. The technological revolution which brought us closer together by making travel and tourism easy and affordable, fuelling billions of trips, is now helpless in halting a virus that demands we shelter in place. World Travel & Tourism Council CEO Gloria Guevara shared that if the pandemic continues for several more months, many will face potential job losses. As of right now, it is difficult to take a snapshot of The technological easier to jumpstart a career as a Export, Investment Promotion, and professional travel blogger. Civil Aviation Media Secretary Travel with Wife @travel_with_wife how the industry is faring, she said. revolution which Losses come daily and a devastating There’s been a popular joke on Pradeep Anura Kumara, he confirmed e have been posting a lot of throwback posts, because brought us closer together the internet about how Covid-19 will what Minister Prasanna Ranatunga we are creators who release content in real time and example can be seen where, as of 2 by making travel and April, British Airways is now poised force travel bloggers to get “a real had said with regards to the eventual so we unfortunately do not have any content left to tourism easy and affordable, job” as international travel becomes revival of the Sri Lankan tourism W to suspend 36,000 staffers; but one release. We have been sharing our experiences through some example of what is to come. fuelling billions of trips, increasingly restricted. However, industry, that the Government is in stills we’ve captured during our first vlogs that we haven’t Much of the tourism industry is now helpless in halting there is the fact that many of these the process of formulating short- shared with the public before; hopefully, it has been interesting was essentially built around a a virus that demands we influencers are technically part of term and long-term plans to rebuild, content. trouble-free future; a sure-fire shelter in place the gig economy; many of them are while also pointing out that once We managed to gather a lot of content from our trip to industry that defies the ups and rather accustomed to having some the spread of Covid-19 is contained, Malaysia and Singapore so we have worked on those, but other Bloggers of all types started to level of uncertainty when it comes to the Government will implement the than that, there was a plan for us to go to Jaffna, spend a whole downs of the market. However, monetise their content in the mid- things are a lot different now. how much income they’re expected proposed plans. month experiencing the food, the 2000s. However, in the past few to make in a year. As for those who depend on culture, the people, and do a When global giants are struggling, years, as digital and personality- it is no surprise that the individual Sri Lanka being a tourism- travel for work, we caught up with thorough hands-on coverage based content entered the mainstream centred country, many an industry in a few popular travel bloggers and of the area there, but of traveller and those who depend on and with the advent of social media travel are going to be out of work – some way, shape, or form connected online personalities who have had to course those plans will have and popular platforms like Instagram with the travel trade have suffered. make some adjustments during the to take a backseat for now. bloggers, photographers, writers, and and YouTube, it’s become much influencers. Speaking to Minister of Industrial pandemic. However, as soon as everything is clear and safe, Sinbad Travels @ceylon_adventure_seeker we will put have travelled almost those plans every weekend for the into motion. Ipast seven years, so it has But as for really been an adjustment income, we period for me. I spend my have halted time in a boarding house most of our where I do not know the sponsored neighbours and the space content as I have is limited, and from it is not spending every weekend on appropriate a new adventure to spending for these all my hours within these four times. walls has been rough. As I often travel with large groups, taking people on adventures with me to expose them to the wonders of nature and travelling, I am someone who meets new people regularly and makes new friends every day, and now to have no outside contact and person-to-person interaction has been tough to say the least. Recently, I was thinking about how animals in zoos and enclosures must be feeling; it feels like I’ve gone from heaven to hell. But the nature of the current situation is beyond my control and, while it is rough, the health of my family and friends comes first, so I am glad to partake in this Shenelle Rodrigo @sheneller adjustment period. For now, travelling will have to take a backseat. e had a backlog of content which we managed to Thankfully, travel blogging is not my fulltime occupation and I have a fulltime job complete edits for just the week of 15 March when which I am currently engaging in from home. Wcurfew was imposed, so there was some fortune for us in a bad situation; and in being able to upload these videos of our travels, we have gotten a really great response. People are restricted to their homes and we’ve been able to around home; with what I have, my of it for my Bible studies as it is a release something that they have come to look forward to. It’s Nicky Desilva @nickizzle he coronavirus is hurting surroundings, and any items I have. big part of my life. Apart from that, been great that we can give people that 20-30-minute escape As for future plans, I plan I partake in learning new recipes, through our vlogs. everyone in so many ways! No industry was to keep brainstorming for ideas gardening, rearranging my house, As for the future, of course we won’t be able to produce T to create content. So far, I have and recently I’ve started painting the same content, but we have plans to take everyone on a left untouched by Covid-19, and no industry is likely to be more planned a few content videos that the outdoor walls; I also take care journey where we can all learn something and help in self- I could make at home, and even of my pugs, feed the street dogs improvement. I have been looking into learning yoga and I’ve affected than travel and tourism. As a travel and lifestyle influencer, if the situation clears out, I would down the lane, practise yoga, and found a great programme so I’ve been sharing that, and the consider going out and travelling spending quality time with my response has been great. So what we will do is really look at a large portion of my work has always been based on travelling and still risky. Therefore, I would still sister. These are a few of many sustainable ways to keep everyone occupied and stay focused use home as a base. If it lasts longer things that keep me productive and healthy. creating content on experiences. In fact, I had plans for the next than expected, I would continue during this time. The tourism industry globally has suffered a blow due what I am doing right now by My main focus is to create to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy three months before this pandemic affected us that have been paused brainstorming ideas around my original content which will has been formidable, and Sri Lanka, as a small island nation given environment. influence and inspire my followers dependent on tourism, has greatly suffered. However, till further notice. Creating content has become I prefer posting real-time to learn something new and be according to Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, the Government’s content due to the current situation, productive and most of all, try to main focus right now is to stop the spread of Covid-19 and nearly impossible since that would be going against the measures to and there’s so much you can do at take this situation as a gift of time to once they have managed to contain it, the Government would home. Now that I have time, I make look back at things and people that implement its plan to uplift the country’s economy. fight Covid-19. Hence, I decided to think about how I can create content sure that I allocate a bigger portion we often take for granted. 4 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS Sunday, April 12, 2020

and we are trying to give each of them Rs. general experience we had these past New 2,000. This is not a time for celebration, Years, with big parties and gifts; illusions, frankly – it’s a time to help. It’s easy for us fantasies – nonsense, actually. Therefore I to sit nicely in a house near the lake where say, always think about the inside. everything seems very nice, but there are so many who don’t have that luxury. Rukshan Perera There are only two main things to do this Avurudu: One, don’t go outside and AVURUDU two, try to help at least one person. Kapila Rasnayake This year, my message is different. Every time we celebrate the New Year, we always show others that we bought a REFLECTIONS lot of stuff, celebrated with people, and had huge parties and social gatherings. Think of others, stay indoors, and work on your inner self I think this New Year is telling us, with this quarantine experience, to BY BERNADINE RODRIGO all of these people. Looking towards the New Year, delve “inside ourselves”. It’s more introspective because we always thought It would not be wrong to say that Stephanie said, adding that this is the year where we come together as Sri Lankans that the outside world is so nice and that morale is low this Sinhala and Tamil things outside are so beautiful, but we New Year. No one can go outside regardless of race, religion, cast, and whatever; just forgetting all of that and need to realise that the outside world is I would like to take this opportunity to enjoy the normal customs and looking to become united as a country! temporary. to wish a very happy Sinhala and Tamil festivities such as shopping for New Year to all Sri Lankans living here clothes for the New Year, while some Capt. Elmo Jayawardena and abroad. This year, we are challenged are even stuck in their temporary Avurudu celebrations are important to find creative ways to celebrate the living places unable to head back for a lot of people. We all like it, there’s New Year while following the guidelines home to spend the New Year with no doubt about it, but now we should use given by the Government to combat the their families. Also, we can’t hold that spirit to feed at least one family. We coronavirus in Sri Lanka. Wish you all good health in the the usual Sinhala and Tamil New can’t do anything about the coronavirus. We just have to follow government rules coming months and let us all celebrate the Year games and ceremonies where New Year after we win the war with our we indulge in the glorious local Stephanie Siriwardhana and and I myself follow them to a T. What my wife and I are trying to do is feed some current enemy – the coronavirus. sweets known as “kavili” and listen Dushyanth Weeraman families. This time, Avurudu is something we to engaging folk songs and stories. There are so many people who are Dino Corera can’t celebrate with the village people, said The Government has advised that hungry because they are daily wage The only Avurudu game you should Dushyanth But what you may not realise while people can follow and partake in the earners and now they don’t have money be playing this quarantine Avurudu is that your village people celebrating traditions, they must do so in small groups and food. We have a list of 1,500 families season is kotta pora (in more ways than Avurudu are hungry. So this time, without not away from their homes. The fun in the one). celebrating, think about those in your air usually during Avurudu is absent this We always have our “inside”, but we neighbourhood and try to help them in any year due to the terrible crisis which the never had time to enjoy it inside. So for way you can. entire world is facing. this New Year, I have this special message: Those around your neighbourhood, the The grand feasts which we usually have Find yourself. Find yourself; find the inner people that you know, could use your help, are a definite no-no; there are even people you. What are your inner feelings? What Stephanie added. suffering with no food as they are unable is your soul? Use this New Year as a kind Of course, you can do the sirith-virith to earn a living. However, despite all that, of platform where we can realise that inner (traditions and customs) at home with the New Year will still be happening as beauty is really cool; if we are beautiful your families in a quiet and isolated way, this country, to which it is a long-standing inside, then everything outside we will be continued Dushyanth. But now, Sri Lanka tradition, cannot simply ignore it. seen as an illusion – a fantasy world. But is coming to a point where some people A few of Sri Lanka’s loved and the inside world is always real...see into don’t get food to eat because some of them esteemed folks came forward with messages your soul. still live away from the rich neighbourhood for the people of Sri Lanka during this So my message is take the lesson. and the delivery services still don’t go there. Sinhala and Tamil New Year: This is a really good time to start the New This is a time when we have to think about Year with a new experience. It was a very

BY BERNADINE RODRIGO Easter is a festive time when Christians around the world A quiet Easter celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and everyone else too gathers in celebration. When one imagines Easter, it is usually filled with grand meals with close friends and family, laughter, and great joy. However, this year’s Easter has taken a very different turn where the entire world is spending it in a very different manner. Needless to say, the world is still suffering the effects of the Covid-19 Homegrown talent pandemic. Most countries have imposed total lockdowns and indefinite curfews year would have been extra special as identify someone’s suffering, we must where people are prevented from going Easter falls right before the Sinhala try to help that person as best as we can. that’s giving back outside, while in some other countries, and Tamil New Year. However, this Try to help someone this Easter. Obey although the situation may not be as rigid year’s Easter also resonates with another the laws and protect everyone,” he said. as the former, people are still advised to grievous memory – last year’s Easter This is the message he has given to his stay indoors and avoid large gatherings. Sunday on 21 April. parishioners. during trying times Pope Francis himself made a At St. Sebastian’s Church in Rev. Fr. M. Fernando also shared declaration from the Vatican recently, Katuwapitiya, which was rebuilt after that he would dedicate the Easter Sunday where even he is in seclusion that the being severely damaged by last year’s Mass for the souls lost due to the virus Pettah Effect Easter Sunday Mass would not take place attacks, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Manjula and also in memory of those who lost with the physical presence of the faithful. Fernando is preparing himself and his their lives in vain in last year’s attacks. BY BERNADINE RODRIGO recruit all kinds of musicians. “While Pope Francis will preside over subordinate priest for a secluded Holy He insisted on obedience of the laws as They are however willing to do things them without the physical presence of the Mass. He said that his main intentions in it is the only way we can get through this While Sri Lanka is a vibrant country to draw this magic out of the individual faithful, millions will join him spiritually prayer would be for the current crisis we situation as responsible citizens. full of various types of artforms and various if they are able to see enough potential in through the media. Radio, television, are facing. Similarly, Parish Priest of St. kinds of people doing all kinds of artistic someone. One may get acquainted with and the internet will allow the Pope to be “We must be careful. In this time, Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade things, there is a clear lack of recognition them through their live auditions, and close to those unable to participate in the we must dwell in religious and spiritual Rev. Fr. Jude Fernando also insisted on in this country in this sphere. While an if they get through that, they would be liturgies of this unique Easter Triduum,” obedience,” Rev. Fr. M. Fernando said. obedience. The Shrine of St. Anthony average Sri Lankan may look at a piece of selected for a callback. If they miss the reported Vatican News. He believes that this is the best time to too was rebuilt in time for Christmas last art and admire its beauty, he or she may still auditions, they could always send Pettah Congruent with the Pope, Archbishop exercise the Christian virtue of obedience year, but unlike Christmas, it will also be not let his or her own child be part of the Effect a video clip of their artistry and if of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm and use it to heal the nation. “We can’t spending Easter in silence. same industry; the lingering old-fashioned they see that magic in the person, he or Cardinal Ranjith too has instructed that control the spread of coronavirus, but if “Our Cardinal has set out very distinct notion in the Sri Lankan mind that the most she would be invited for a studio session this should be followed. Normally, we obey, we can do something about it.” rules about what not to do and we must prestigious careers in life would be that of a where they can perform with the band, locally, Christians attend the Easter He also said that we have to pray for follow it. There is nothing more we could doctor, lawyer, engineer, and so on and so similar to the normal proceedings of the Sunday Mass either at midnight or the our suffering world. “There are two types do,” he said. While he will also dwell in forth. industry. following morning and then head towards of suffering now in this world: identified prayer for all the lost souls, the church However, we can see that allowing While we have seen many cover their form of celebration at home or suffering and unidentified suffering. too will be as quiet as ever. Rev. Fr. J. one’s children, or even oneself to open performers come out this way through wherever they please. While we pray for all those who are Fernando is not shaken, however, and he up one’s mind and be accepting of new Pettah Effect, they are indeed not a cover Under different circumstances, this suffering in any way, if we ourselves believes that we will get through this. things just needs a nudge in the direction label, and look to produce artists’ original in which one’s heart wants to go, so that content; they have reengineered the usual almost anyone would then indulge as they approach record labels take. They have a like or accept those who do. strong ethos to support the upcoming local Pettah Effect is a record label that artist to produce music the way they please aims to nudge those with the aspiration and entertain the people of Sri Lanka. to become professional musicians in Therefore, it is evident that the music the right direction. They have identified industry certainly is a trying one for young many reasons as to why this is required; artists in Sri Lanka. However, there may one is the lack of funds and resources; be hope, with labels such as Petah Effect. social pressure and stigma; the lack of Currently, Pettah Effect is maintaining a support system; the list goes on. Their the video series known as “The Live mission is “to provide artists a platform to Shows” where their signed artists are further their careers by offering access to performing from home to keep the technology, resources, and knowledge that public entertained. While morale may be will improve their chances of success”. low among the people, these nice little Pettah Effect looks to sign people with performances from Sri Lankan talents – some kind of magic. They are looking for they too are in the same position as the something more than cookie-cutter voices rest of us, mind you – would give people, PHOTO LALITH PERERA trained for specific parts or imitating especially those who appreciate music, another – it has to be magic. They also some solace. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, April 12, 2020 HEALTH

1st Wave Current trends in the Immediate mortality and morbidity of Covid-19

2nd Wave 4th Wave GLOBAL Impact of resource Psychic trauma restriction on urgent Mental illness non-Covid conditions Economic injury Burnout 3rd Wave PANDEMIC Impact of severe disease from infection as a society going forward. At Antibodies are proteins that help 2. The hammer and the dance this juncture, it is not certain the immune system identify 1st Wave interrupted method – this is total that suppression will succeed in and eliminate threats. Once Tail care on chronic suppression which aims to the long term; no public health the antibodies are made, they Post-ICU conditions reverse epidemic growth, intervention with such disruptive help the body neutralise future

Health footprint of pandemic footprint Health recovery reducing the case numbers to effects on society has been infections from the same threat. low levels and maintaining previously attempted for such a In patients who have recovered that situation indefinitely. long duration of time. from Covid-19 or who may have However, each policy has How populations and societies carried the virus without realising major challenges since the bare will respond remains unclear, it, a serological test can show minimum essential services echoed Prof. Karunathilake, in who carries antibodies, even if the need to function line with predictions made by virus is no longer present. Figure 1 - Mitigation strategy Time In Sri Lanka, we recommend Imperial College London in the However, this test cannot the hammer and the dance paper titled “Impact of non- replace the value of the RT-PCR BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA method. This is the opinion of the pharmaceutical interventions test in the acute diagnosis of experts, considering the strength (NPIs) to reduce Covid-19 Covid-19 (Figure 3). Many in- The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly become an era- of Sri Lanka’s public health mortality and healthcare demand”. house and commercially available defining challenge the world over. It has implications system. The available data is Depending on how cases evolve, assays are used in different not only in the public health sector, but also in the global changing every day, and hence we we will need to take precautionary laboratories across the world. A economy and political landscape. Its consequences, both need to take a dynamic approach measures to up social distancing new rapid test that offers results short and long term, are less understood. To get a glimpse while monitoring the local trends measures or on if we will be able in minutes rather than hours very closely. to release them. or days is also on the horizon. of its trajectory, we spoke to Sri Lanka Medical Association That is the dance of R However, its deployment is yet to (SLMA) President Prof. Indika Karunathilake. What does the future hold? (reproduction); in this method, be defined. According to Prof. Covid-19 trend in SL: Why From observations around the ultimate aim is to keep the Karunathilake, the present the world, it seems there transmission rate below 1, and Our responsibility strategy for the prevention of we need to crush the curve will be a peak followed by a currently it is at 1. Practically These are trying times for Covid-19 is unique to Sri Lanka. A mathematical model for downward trend. Once this peak speaking, it is a dance of measures all of us but we can decide to Prof. Indika Karunathilake The Government of Sri Lanka prediction was developed by is reached at least 28 days, the between getting our lives back meet this challenge head-on. This and the Ministry of Health have SLMA Vice President Prof. physical distancing. Hence, Prof. time between two incubation to normalcy and spreading the can only be done by adhering adopted a policy of pre-emptive Manuj Weerasinghe and Dr. Karunathilake emphasised that periods must elapse for things disease – one of economy vs. to current best practices and quarantining and isolation of Nishantha Perera from the it is in the country’s best interest to return to normalcy. However, healthcare (Figure 2). guidelines. We should stay suspected contacts even before Department of Mathematics of the for the SLMA to liaise with this period will also have to be at home and maintain social they develop symptoms. This University of Colombo (UoC). professional bodies to advise monitored closely as we don’t What should be the distancing to avoid contact approach has proven to reduce According to their predictions, decision-makers of the country. know the behaviour of this novel with outside individuals as tight control is required to testing strategy? the margin of error as seen by coronavirus fully at the moment. There’s a lot of public much as possible. Take extreme the spread still being limited to maintain a manageable patient In this regard, two Countries that have precautions with the more load; the maximum number of speculation regarding testing for clusters, as opposed to the spread fundamental strategies successfully flattened the curve Covid-19. The SLMA released vulnerable groups in society and in community faced by many coronavirus cases we can handle have had cases spiking again aid the current system in place. at the moment is around 2,000, are possible: a joint statement on 6 April countries at the moment. after interventions were relaxed. 2020 with the Ceylon College of Finally, Prof. Karunathilake The SLMA has been able and anything more than that 1. Flattening the curve – also Hence, the need for schools and stated that in his capacity as will put the healthcare system in known as a “mitigation Physicians (CCP) and Sri Lanka to bring together professionals universities to remain closed is College of Microbiologists to the President of the SLMA, from different medical specialties serious jeopardy. strategy”. This focuses on imminent. Although it should be he and his team of experts are In order to maintain active slowing but not necessarily address some of these pressing under one umbrella to guide the recognised that such closures may issues regarding diagnostic and working tirelessly to disseminate policymakers in the country, and cases below this range, we stopping the epidemic from have negative impacts, we must information and inform the leaders cannot deviate from the predicted spreading by reducing peak screening tests for Covid-19. this has been pivotal in mitigating now work towards a distance- The policy on testing differs of their expert advice as we face the spread of the virus. trend for Sri Lanka under strict healthcare demand while teaching culture and we might this challenge head-on. regulation of movement and protecting those most at risk of from country to country; it have to rethink how we function depends on what stage their community has reached in the Detected by IgG/ pandemic curve and the level About the writer Do nothing Detected by RT-PCR of preparedness in the specific The writer, Mitigation IgM rapid test context. There are two types Dr. Dineshani of tests – one that tests for the Hettiarachchi virus itself and another blood Sirisena, test that shows the immunity is a family towards Covid-19 by looking at physician with a special The hammer The dance antibodies. The World Health interest in rare genetic Coronavirus Cases Coronavirus Organisation (WHO) recommends confirmation of cases of Covid-19 diseases and regenerative by nucleic acid amplification medicine currently working tests (NAATs) such as a reverse- as a lecturer at the Department transcription polymerase chain of Anatomy, Faculty of Today 3-7 weeks Ongoing reaction (RT-PCR) which is Medicine, University of currently done in Sri Lanka. Colombo, Sri Lanka. Figure 2 - The hammer and the dance method Figure 3 - RT-PCR test Strengthening your body’s immune response against viruses With World Health Day 2020 falling organisms to grow and thrive, offering a insects like mosquitoes, or the transmission recognises the virus. Therefore, the virus and viruses to get into the lungs and cause on 7 April, a conversation about warm environment with plenty of essential of body fluids such as saliva, blood, or can quickly replicate and cause infection. Excessive alcohol and a poor our immune system has never been nutrients. That’s where your immune semen. The many diseases caused havoc in our system (in the diet causes deficiencies in micronutrients timelier. As the entire world remains system comes in to defend your body by viruses include the common case of Covid-19, it attacks such as zinc, selenium, copper, iron, folic deeply affected and confounded by against these kinds of invaders. It is made cold, influenza, chicken the lungs). But the general acid, vitamins C, A, B, and E, and thiamine up of white blood cells (lymphocytes, pox, dengue, and AIDS. immune system still mounts (which are all critical components in the Covid-19, it’s becoming increasingly leucocytes), lymph glands, bone marrow, On its own, it cannot do a cytokine storm that is fight against infections). clear that the immune system and the spleen. anything, but when it enters now out of hand as the Alcohol too damages our liver, a vital plays a critical role in whether you the human body, it attaches viruses are not dying and source of protein production to help the recover from the virus or succumb Changes that occur with age itself to certain cells in the the inflammatory response immune system. Stress and bad sleeping to its symptoms. What exactly is With age, our immunoresponses body and uses these cells as continues. This unrelenting habits in turn promote other behaviours happening in your body when you may change. There is a reduction in the factories to produce more of its inflammatory response can also that stress our body as equally as a poor production of lymphocytes and their get the virus? How can you help kind. Dr. Kayathri Periasamy create complications in the body diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. your body stand its ground? Who is effectiveness with it. This leads to elderly Our body responds to with a multi-system failure which at risk for a more severe infection? individuals not responding as robustly invasion by viruses by prompting the includes the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Help in the form of nutritional as the young. As we get older, our body lymphocytes to produce antibodies. Our supplements People infected with Covid-19 experiences an accumulated level of insults body contains more types of antibodies Changing our lifestyle to are shown to have extremely different Vitamin C has been traditionally over time, and some of this may weaken than there are people in this world! combat disease thought to be protective against infections experiences. Some report nothing more the immune system mostly due to poor So when a virus enters our body, it is than symptoms of a cold while others end There is nothing really that can such as colds and flus. However, it is a dietary practices, smoking, or excessive recognised by an antibody. suddenly improve our immune system balanced diet containing vitamin C that up being hospitalised and even dying as alcohol. Illnesses that are more common During the process where antibodies their lungs inflame and fill up with fluid other than adapting a generally healthy will make the body’s immune system as we get older can also contribute to a help in destroying the virulents, many lifestyle which includes a diet high in stronger. Suddenly increasing vitamin due to pneumonia. How can the same deteriorating immune system, such as immune cells are activated and there is virus result in such different outcomes? fruits and vegetables, adequate water, C to prevent an infection has not been diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, great production of certain proteins which minimal intake of oil and saturated fats scientifically proven to have a positive While we can’t say with certainty, varying chronic bronchitis, cancer, myelodysplasia, help in the fight. This immune response experiences in different countries seem to in processed/junk food, regular exercise, effect. That being said, taking vitamin C autoimmune disorders, etc. This is why the storm in our body is responsible for some a healthy weight, moderate alcohol during a cold or flu seems to shorten the point towards the immune system as the elderly need to take extra precautions in the of the symptoms we see such as fever and primary cause. consumption, adequate sleep, minimal duration of the illness. battle against Covid-19. chills, flushed face, etc. stress, and avoiding smoking. (The writer of this article, Dr. Role of the immune system In some cases when the virus is Bad lifestyle choices affect our body Kayathri Periasamy, is a consultant Viruses vs. the immune system completely new to the system, such as the in various ways that indirectly create physician MBBS [UK], MRCP [UK], As you go about life, your body is Viruses are genetically simple and are Covid-19 that has come from animals, opportunities for infection. For example, Board Certified in Int. Medicine [US]. constantly blitzed by bacteria, fungi, or everywhere. They get into our bodies via air our immune system is overwhelmed. It smoking damages the linings of our She is the Founder of Healthy Life Clinic viruses that can make you ill. A human (thanks to coughing and sneezing), carrier body is an ideal environment for these does not have an antibody that quickly breathing tract, making it easier for bacteria in Colombo 3) 6 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, April 12, 2020

contributions. The health of the river also determines the health of the people.” The yy Illegal sand mining: Illegal sand mining also affects the water quality and the existence of the river itself. The sand found in a river is supposed to feed water into the groundwater table and clean the water by BY JITHENDRI GOMES absorbing the pollutants, stabilising the river banks. ho would have When the river banks collapse due believed that just to the increasing depth , mud gets added weeks of inactivity into the water, which results in the could bring about so quality of the water decreasing. This also much change in the Kelani affects the biodiversity around the bank environment? Stories W as the trees on the banks collapse with of wild animals roaming freely and the it. As fish also lay their eggs close to the air quality increasing are being celebrated bank, this process is also affected. and shared on social media. In particular, the Kelani River – a yy Individuals polluting the river: victim to many pollution activities – is “Individuals pollute the river in a also said to have seen a significant number of ways. For example, people improvement in these weeks of dump animal carcasses into the river, fish lockdown. Could this really be nature's and meat waste, domestic kitchen waste, way of reviving itself and taking the time domestic sewage, and toilet waste. There to recover its resources? revival? are also thousands of people who bathe in Central Environmental Authority the river daily, while many consume the (CEA) Chairman Siripala Amarasinghe water directly before it comes through spoke exclusively to The Sunday water treatment plants and purification.” Morning Brunch and confirmed that there He stressed that these activities also is significant improvement in the water need to be regulated. “From Hanwella quality. “The samples we evaluated were to Kaka Dupatha (Crow Island), there taken on 1 April, which proves that the are a lot of shanties by the river without improvement happened within the two proper toilet waste disposal facilities. to three-week lockdown. These samples RFSL Chief Co-ordinator Jayantha Wijesingha That part of the river has become a were taken from many areas through consumption needs, Kelani River also garbage disposal site rather than a water which the river flows, thus proving plays a major role in energy-generating consumption resource. It is the water significant improvement in the water activities in the country with relation that feeds people – including those who quality in multiple areas,” he explained. to hydro energy. Many reservoirs and pollute it! As a result of all of these Amarasinghe confirmed that this dams are built along the river, the most activities, the river is very polluted,” he improvement is mainly a result of recent one being the Kitulgala Broadland pointed out. the lack of industrial activities due to Power Station. “The river’s contribution the Government-imposed curfew and to energy generation is so vast and How did the water lockdown. significant,” added Wijesingha. quality increase? He shared an interesting anecdote With the current lockdown Sri Lanka Kelani’s importance stating that even during the times before is facing nationwide, apart from domestic to the nation colonisation, the Kelani River played pollution activities, all the other activities We also spoke to Rainforest an important role when establishing have come to halt. The CEA carried out a Protectors of Sri Lanka (RFSL) Chief kingdoms. For example, he said: “The study that revealed that the water quality Co-ordinator and Spokesperson Sitawaka and Kotte Kingdoms were has increased significantly. Jayantha Wijesingha, who is also a based around it. During that time, “The study has revealed that these fervent environmental activist, on the environmentally related regulation are the very reasons the Kelani River improvement experienced within a matter activities were based on the Kelani has been polluted all these years. We of a few weeks of inactivity. River, including flood regulation. To must make sure we do not go back to Wijesingha spoke of the importance date, it provides water to the wetlands in how it was. The Earth has given us of the nine river basins and 103 rivers Colombo.” an opportunity to relook at our modus found in Sri Lanka. Out of the nine operandi. We must uphold the nationally basins, he identified three rivers as The many dangers Collecting Samples determined conditions that we had agreed critical – namely, Kelani, Kalu, and Kelani faces significantly to the deterioration to after attending many conferences, Mahaweli – based on the number of of the river, especially when these summits, discussions, etc. if we are to people dependent on its river water for yy Energy plants are built on either side of the river, meet the goals set for 2030. consumption. Out of these, the Kelani Wijesingha then went on to explain particularly in the Kitulgala area,” said The samples we evaluated were taken “In any activity we do, if the three River is the most important, as all the the many dangers faced by the river. Some Wijesingha. on 1 April, which proves that the components of air, water, and soil are not people residing in the Western Province, of the many hydro energy plants built He went on to state that some of improvement happened within the two affected negatively, we can determine excluding those living close to Kalutara, under the Mahaweli Scheme have had a the constructions go beyond the river to three-week lockdown. These samples that we have made a turn towards a more depend on it as a source of water for negative impact on the river together with banks into the river itself. The buffer were taken from many areas through sustainable way of living. Without air we consumption. His rough estimate is that mini private reservoirs built by private area has not been maintained by most which the river flows, thus proving cannot breathe, without water we cannot close to two million people are directly parties. These have blocked the tributaries of these hotel constructions, and this significant improvement in the water live, and without soil we cannot grow depending on the river, and this has been of the river. The most recent Kituagala poses the question as to why they are quality in multiple areas food,” the CEA said. the case for a long period of time. construction also contributed towards not being regulated or how they have CEA Chairman Siripala Amarasinghe Apart from satisfying the it with a major negative impact on the managed to obtain permits. Recommendations tourism industry as well with regard to its Some recommendations are to The lack of planning is extremely yy Small and medium-scale industries: white water rafting site. evident. The pradeshiya sabha, when demarcate a 200-foot buffer zone for all Wijesingha also explained the the rivers on either side, irrespective of yy Crop cultivation: approving the plan, and the relevant contribution of industries in deteriorating whether it is private or state-owned land, Various unhealthy, unsustainable, divisional secretariat, when approving the river due to the Seethawaka and up to Kaka Dupatha and not only in the and unmanaged crop cultivation the construction, need to ensure Biyagama industrial zones being situated rural areas. It must be legally enforced in activities have also had a negative impact the CEA has given environmental very close to it. The sewage, chemicals, all future projects at least. on the river. He mentioned oil palm clearance. The Irrigation Department dye, and fabric washing waste are The authorities can also remove cultivation that was and is still banned by also has to give approvals as since the released into the river. “More than 500 the existing constructions with the present and previous Governments. time of British rule, these areas have large and medium-scale industries are adequate compensation and any illegal Some tea cultivations belonging to been identified to be high-risk areas supposed to be releasing their waste into constructions without compensation. private companies are also said to be for landslides. Despite all of these the river every single day. Unfortunately, The CEA has already identified the contributing to this with improper limitations, hoteliers have managed to this is a well-established fact,” he added. industries, hotels, and crop cultivators estate, crop, and soil management that build structures. He spoke of one significant incident that pollute the river the most, and result in sediments getting collected “This area has been vandalised and in 2015, where Colombo experienced therefore severe action should be taken in the river. The river buffers are not devastated by these hotels. Apart from a 24-hour water cut because of an oil against them. maintained either, which results in the not maintaining the buffer to the river, leak from a Coca Cola factory, which Sand mining must be highly regulated river banks failing as well. Furthermore, these hotels have breached many laws. made the river water unsuitable for and stopped at least for a year in order for agrochemicals like pesticides or In addition, their sewage tanks, waste consumption. “This is just one example. the Kelani River to make a recovery. fertilisers that are used ultimately end up disposal tanks, and kitchen waste And they were able to identify it The banks of the river have to be in the water after rain. disposal systems are also connected because there was a visible change in the stabilised by planting trees that are to the river or are located close to the appearance of the water. What happens yy Hotel constructions: river, which results in it being released necessary to strengthen it. “The hotel sector also contributes when chemicals that cannot be seen are Testing into the river,” said Wijesingha. released? All of these are large-scale PHOTOS CEA AND WIKIPEDIA the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, April 12, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

11 Org. with an oft-quoted 69 Climactic film scene SOLUTION FOR 29 MARCH journal 70 Bright Orion star 12 Marsh bird 71 Pressed through a sieve Crossword 13 Bright at night 72 Celeb with a TV “Garage” CROSSWORD CLUES 56 Lendl of tennis 100 28-Across, for eight 14 Sharpshooters’ aids 74 Pitcher’s gem, in baseball 57 Alloy containing carbon seasons 15 Sleeping __ lingo Across 58 “Any day now” 105 “That’s unfortunate” 1 Identifies in a Facebook 16 Far from polite 75 Brand associated with 59 Body __ 108 Rebus animals 17 Doesn’t waste NASA missions photo 60 Elsinore natives 109 Game akin to bingo 5 __ basin 18 Muppet with a unibrow 76 Crack up 62 Ex-White House Press 110 Flea market deal 24 Eye part 77 Casino disk 10 Chitchats Secretary Spicer 111 Extension of an embargo? 14 Prep for surgery 26 Vientiane native 80 Lower in status 63 Progressive Insurance 114 Della’s notable facial 29 Set a high goal 83 Catches on to 19 Mil or mile icon’s layoff? feature? 20 Kipling’s “Lone Wolf” 33 Logician’s word 84 Slough off 66 Warning to a sinner 116 Poke around 34 Buffoon 85 Stick around 21 Release, as an odor 68 “__ Madness”: old anti 117 Artist who helped 22 Reason to march 35 Fuller’s geodesic creation 86 Torah holder drug movie Hitchcock design a 37 MLB Expo, since 2005 87 Roy G. Biv hue 23 Where a displaced ex 69 Dried, pulverized onions? dream sequence for hubby may sleep? 39 Counts’ equals 89 Saint-Saëns work with a 72 “The Swedish Nightingale” “Spellbound” 41 __ spray memorable cello solo 25 Determination as to Jenny 118 Colorful upholstery fabric which twin is born first? 42 Toastmaster’s opening 90 Big-box stores, e.g. 73 Littlest littermates 119 Gobs 43 Dermatologist’s concern 92 Yawning, say 27 Brunch dish 77 Greek X 120 Trivial 28 2000 NBA MVP 44 “Amores” poet 93 Coarse woolens 78 Primatologists’ subjects 121 Manicure sound 45 Operatic icon 96 Part of BYOB 30 Clay-pigeon launcher 79 Commonly abbreviated 122 Escargot 31 Guinness Book suffix 46 Abba of Israel 98 Brewers’ ovens bit of Latin 123 Kitchen supplies 47 Difficult 99 Playwright Chekhov 32 Back-to-zero button 81 Part of a hat trick 33 Delightful places Down 48 Ritzy spread 101 Tunesmiths’ org. 82 Hard bargain driver 49 Either “Fargo” director 102 Hayek’s “Frida” role 34 Closed (in) 84 “CSI” part 1 House of Henry VIII 36 Concerning 2 “Speed Racer” genre 53 Elbowed 103 “Silas Marner” author 85 African grassland 54 Urban sunbather’s spot 104 Monopoly fees 38 North Pole explorer 88 “Uh-huh” 3 Helps the cause 40 Restaurant with skating 4 Made off with 55 Derive 105 1/2 fl. oz. 89 Three movies about 57 Orders to go 106 Level-headed carhops skeletons? 5 Negotiating asset 44 Poem about the letter nu? 6 Clanton gang leader 58 Potpourri quality 107 Half hitch, e.g. 91 Clobbers with snowballs 61 Bud protector 109 Dot on a radar screen 50 Myriad 93 Silents vamp Bara 7 __ ring: encryption toy 51 Violinist’s effect 8 One way to work 62 Home of the Ninja Turtles 110 “Riverdance” dance 94 Hammerhead cousin 64 No longer in bed 112 Hogwash 52 “Didn’t mean it” 95 Got ready to stop 9 Grow dark 53 Confession hearers 10 USAF VIP 65 Thrifty 113 Dethroner of Foreman 97 Needing a rinse 67 St. Peter’s Square figure 115 Lilly of pharmaceuticals NOTICE Since last week’s paper was an e-paper edition, we didn’t pick winners for the crossword. Please note that the e-paper editions are not going to have winners. We will resume selecting winners once the paper is printed again.

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Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. 8 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS/CAUSE Sunday, April 12, 2020 Be responsible, start with your wardrobe BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI This programme (Reinvent Your Wardrobe) enriches While keeping safe indoors during the worth of each garment as these dark times of the Covid- the participating designers 19 virus, Colombo Fashion Week give it new life, which will allow (CFW) has found a way to help you you to enjoy the garment and declutter your mind and create prolong its life a new wardrobe. Working with Dimuthu Sahabandu, Indi Yapa determined to help you take time to Abeywardena, Charini Suriyage, declutter and use only the things you love, Sharmila Ruberu, and Amilani while keeping our designers active in the Perera, engage in an interactive sphere of responsibility in fashion and have and collaborative programme that their creative streams flowing. So run to has the potential to impact your your wardrobes now and get started! future choices as it makes you conscious of your consumption IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE, YOU patterns. ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE Speaking to CFW Founder and CFW Founder and Managing FOLLOWING SIMPLE STEPS: Managing Director Ajai Vir Singh, we Director Ajai Vir Singh found out that since 2017, CFW had been 1.Send a direct message to CFW via working on bringing in responsibility new route towards responsible fashion. social media to every aspect of garment and design We were told that this programme enriches the worth of each garment as the 2. Once selected, you will be sent creation. thinking behind it is based on the fact that participating designers give it new life, a form to fill out, and with this, And in March 2020, after years at any given time, we tend to use only which will allow you to enjoy the garment you would send pictures of the of behind-the-scenes work, the 25% of our wardrobe. 75% of our clothing and prolong its life. five garments you have chosen to “Responsibility in Fashion” programme falls out of favour and holds little to no This is a programme open to everyone reinvent with CFW was launched, where the participating value to us. Thus, we wanted to take this and you are simply required to pick five designers took a pledge to take time to reflect on our consumption choices 3. Post-quarantine, CFW will be items in your wardrobe that you don't like responsibility in creation and with that, and prolong the life of our garments. We hosting an exclusive event where anymore and would prefer to reinvent. CFW announced an evaluation tool – the are using this programme to educate that you will be paired with a designer Then, send images of these items to CFW, “Responsible Meter” – to assess and fashion garments end up in landfills and it who will reinvent your garments after which the folks at CFW will pair you evaluate each garment showcased. This is wise to prolong usage and reduce waste. for a small fee that is agreed upon up with the participating designers who will programme epitomises their journey Once we understand how our clothes are during the event upgrade the pieces and give it new life. a meaningful conversation between towards circularity and attempts to leave a made, its impact on the environment, and The designers involved will contribute the designers and consumers about the 4. Once the process is complete, CFW positive mark on the environment. how we contribute to the negative impacts to the initiative by offering their skills importance of making conscious choices will inform you to pick up your And with CFW getting postponed of our consumption patterns, we can make and upgrading the consumers' garments and consuming fashion responsibly. upgraded garments, and you can due to the pandemic, “Reinvent Your better choices in the future.” Wardrobe” is a way to get started on this for a small fee. This way, CFW facilitates When asked about the objective then enjoy wearing it! behind this initiative, Vir Singh said: “The Reinvent Your Wardrobe is Omega Line Group to donate 400,000 protective wear to battle Covid-19 With the country facing many challenges during these unprecedented times as the threat of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) continues, Omega Line Group, which operates under Italy-based Calzedonia S.p.A, has stepped in to donate 400,000 safety masks to frontline healthcare workers in the fight against the infectious disease. This contribution comes as part of a project initiated by the Sri Lanka Working from Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLAEA) and the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) home with where around 12 major apparel Omega Line Group Director Felix Fernando (centre) handing manufacturers have come together to over the first set of fabric masks to State Pharmaceutical supply and donate over two million Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr. Prasanna Gunasena (left) in the Samsung DeX presence of SLAEA Chairman Rehan Lakhany Employees of Sirio Ltd. manufacturing the safety masks protective masks to government medical service personnel. All companies Working from home Microsoft Word, Excel, under its group – namely, Omega Line doctors, nurses, and other frontline sacrifice,” said Omega Line Group. contributed to the industry as well has presently become Powerpoint, Remote Ltd., Sirio Ltd., Alpha Apparels Ltd., healthcare professionals fighting The group has also agreed with as the country for the past 21 years a global phenomenon Desktop, OneDrive, and Benji Ltd. – are engaged in this the coronavirus disease. We have JAAFSL to manufacture and supply and presently has a workforce of and seems like it will be Outlook, OneNote, initiative, with Teejay Lanka PLC taken measures to manufacture and protective clothing, and one of its over 13,500 employees with a strong the preferred option in Skype, Cisco Webex providing the major portion of the contribute protective masks and companies have already begun engaging and empowering culture. the foreseeable future. meetings, Parallels required fabric. clothing across the country. We pay production for the hospitals in the It plays a pivotal role in many However, if work Access, Parallels Client, “It’s our obligation and tribute to our healthcare workers northern region of the country. social responsibility activities and from home becomes Polaris Office Mobile responsibility to stand by and help for their bravery, dedication, and Omega Line Group has sustainability projects as well. a prolonged practice, DeX, and over 70 it will also have to be applications. managed in a much more The main aim professional manner in behind this cutting- order to be sustainable edge technology is as well as to keep clients to move seamlessly happy. If all the right between devices and Dankotuwa Porcelain manufactures technological tools are in take multitasking to the place, work from home next level. In Samsung can be a real win-win DeX mode, you can take for both employers and a closer look at things customised steam inhalers employees. like videos, artwork, Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC has Undoubtedly, as and documents on a introduced the all-new customised people are working larger display while still steam inhaler ideal for individuals from home now, the using your phone as a affected by respiratory tract infections. smartphone is their phone. You can also Designed and advised by Dr. Charith main asset as they watch movies on the Nanayakkara, this modified steam don’t want to miss any monitor while checking inhaling device will be made available important email or call. texts, or take a call while at hospitals and quarantine centres However, when it comes reviewing documents to making presentations without breaking your currently providing medical care Dankotuwa steam inhalers for patients affected by the novel and scrolling through focus. With Samsung coronavirus (Covid-19). John Kotelawala Defence University documents, the DeX, you have two "At a time when health officials (KDU) Department of Surgery lecturer smartphone offers screens to do twice as and governments are battling to create specialising in neurosurgery Dr. Charith lesser flexibility. This much. a better place amidst the current global Nanayakkara said that steam inhalation is where Samsung DeX Samsung DeX is pandemic, the Ambeon Group is pleased is a treatment method that has been used steps in and resolves a must-have to win the to be able to contribute towards this for over 1,000 years in Ayurveda and the challenge. Samsung day without missing a effort and serve the people of Sri Lanka even western medicine. He shared the DeX provides a desktop- beat when working from and the world,” stated Ambeon Capital benefits of steam inhalation: like environment when home. Productivity has PLC and Ambeon Holdings PLC Group As a tried and tested methodology, you connect your never been so mobile Managing Director Murali Prakash. steam inhalation is safe for humans and Samsung smartphone, because when you’re “As a member of the Ambeon has no side effects of any sort for example, to an working remotely, Group, Dankotuwa Porcelain is a brand Steam inhalation is also used by external display device chances are that you that continues its quest for innovation, physiotherapists when conducting chest From left: Ministry of Health Deputy Director General of Health Services (Medical Services) Dr. Amal such as a television, might move from room serving the countries and communities physiotherapy and by nursing officers Harsha De Silva, Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC CEO Channa Gunawardana, Royal Fernwood Porcelain monitor, or PC. Samsung to room or even pace on a regular routine basis to clear lungs Ltd. Director/CEO Yoshan Fernando, Kotelawala Defence University Teaching Hospital Department in which it operates. We are also trying of Surgery lecturer specialising in neurosurgery Dr. Charith Nanayakkara has collaborated with up and down while on to make the product more affordable of secretions Steam inhalation also Microsoft Office to a conference call. So works differently to a nebuliser, as it is bring users a desktop- once you’ve found your across nations. Once manufacturing headaches, intractable cough, and facial technologies to personalised designs free from the usage of drugs (if it is just like interface that gives rhythm, easily switch operations are enabled fully, we intend steaming in the cosmetic field and endless options, the company naked hot water steam), merely using tablets and features between work and play. to produce this in bigger batches for Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, a continues to create timeless and modern heat as the therapeutic agent they'd normally find For more the benefit of the community at large,” subsidiary of Ambeon Holdings PLC, collections of porcelain ware that Steam inhalation is a treatment on a full-fledged information, enthusiasts added Prakash. commenced its commercial operations expresses exclusive dining experiences method used for nasal congestion, desktop operating can check the official Teaching Hospital at General Sir in 1984. From superior glazing for every occasion. sinusitis, runny nose, “sinus”-type system. It supports page of Samsung Lanka.